Bamboebrug over de kali in Buitenzorg c. 1921

Willem Witsen made this etching, Bamboebrug over de kali in Buitenzorg, on paper, sometime between 1880 and 1923. The monochromatic palette creates a scene that feels both intimate and a little distant, like a memory half-forgotten. The texture of this print feels almost tactile. Look at the way the light catches on the leaves, each line etched with such precision and care. It's as if Witsen isn’t just depicting a scene but also inviting us to feel the humidity and the density of the jungle. Notice the bridge; the artist has scratched the surface to create this area of intricate detail. This piece reminds me a little of the graphic work of Félix Vallotton. Both artists had a knack for capturing the essence of a scene with a kind of understated intensity, but Witsen's work has a warmth and openness. Art isn't about answers, but about posing questions and embracing the endless possibilities of interpretation.