Sukkenes allé 1861 - 1935

Axel Holm created "Sukkenes allé" using etching, a printmaking technique that allows for fine, detailed lines. Notice how the composition leads your eye straight down the avenue. Holm uses a one-point perspective, converging at a distant vanishing point where a figure is standing. The formal organization of the etching is quite striking: the strict geometry of the path contrasted with the wild, organic shapes of the trees. This interplay between the geometric and the organic is a key element, perhaps reflecting a tension between the rational and the natural worlds. The avenue acts almost as a corridor, framing a distant, ethereal light. This play of light and shadow is not just aesthetic; it creates a sense of depth and mystery. Consider also the title, which translates to "Alley of Sighs," hinting at melancholy or introspection. The formal elements of the etching—the perspective, the light, and the contrast—work together to create an atmosphere that resonates with the title.