Lepelaars 1903 - 1932

"Lepelaars" (Spoonbills) is a black and white etching by Dutch artist Adriaan J. van 't Hoff. The work, created between 1903 and 1932 and now housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts two spoonbills standing in a shallow body of water, with one bird's wing outstretched in flight. Van 't Hoff's detailed and precise style, which uses subtle variations in light and shadow to create a sense of realism, is evident in this piece. The artist's interest in the natural world is also reflected in his choice of subject matter, which is presented in a naturalistic yet subtly stylized manner. This etching is a testament to Van 't Hoff's skill as a printmaker, and his ability to capture the beauty and grace of birds in their natural environment.