Toren van de Grote Kerk in Breda 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout made this print of the tower of the Grote Kerk in Breda, using etching. The marks feel so immediate, like a direct response to the scene. Looking closely, I see how the network of fine lines creates depth and texture. See that cluster of marks near the base of the tower? It's as if Grondhout is using the density of the lines to suggest the weight and solidity of the architecture, while the lighter, sketchier lines above give a sense of height and airiness. It's a really lovely contrast. There’s a sense of atmosphere that reminds me of Whistler. Both artists were masters of capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow. But where Whistler's prints often have a dreamy, ethereal quality, Grondhout's feels a bit more grounded, maybe a little more raw. Of course, the magic of art is that it can be both.