Bit of Central Park c. 1918

This etching of Central Park was made by Charles Frederick William Mielatz at the turn of the 20th century. The all-over grayness, achieved through delicate lines and cross-hatching, creates a dreamy, wistful atmosphere. You can almost feel the quiet solitude of the park. The artist’s touch is visible in every mark, from the shimmering water to the lush foliage. Look at the lower part of the image, the grassy bank, and the way Mielatz used short, quick strokes to capture the texture of the grass. It's a process of building up tone, bit by bit, line by line, in which the whole is the sum of its parts. You sense Mielatz’s pleasure in describing all of the textures found in nature. Mielatz’s work reminds me of Whistler, with its emphasis on mood and atmosphere, and a kind of tonal harmony. Etchings like this invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday world.