Figuur in een bos bij nacht 1869 - 1937

Anton L. Koster made this print, Figuur in een bos bij nacht, which translates to Figure in a forest at night, with etching. There’s so much depth in this small print. Koster understood the power of suggestion, of letting the viewer’s eye complete the picture. He knew he didn’t need to show everything to evoke the feeling of a dark forest. You can see how the etched lines aren't just describing what's there, but also creating this whole atmosphere. Look closely, and you'll see that the texture is actually quite varied. Some areas are densely packed with lines, creating deep shadows, while others are more open, allowing light to peek through. That contrast is what gives the image its vibrancy. It reminds me a little of Whistler in its tonal range, and its sense of mood. Just like with painting, it's not about perfection, but about capturing a feeling.