Poort van Hotel Bellevue in Buitenzorg c. 1921

Willem Witsen made this print, 'Poort van Hotel Bellevue in Buitenzorg,' with etching. I love the way he's embraced the process, letting the marks speak for themselves. It’s like he’s thinking aloud with the needle and acid. Looking closely, you can see the plate tone gives everything a soft, hazy atmosphere, like looking through a dream. The texture of the paper adds to that feeling. The lines defining the gate and trees are delicate, almost tentative, but together they create a strong sense of depth. My eyes are drawn to the way the light filters through the trees in the distance, it’s quite magical. There’s a similarity here with Whistler, who also knew how to make the most of understatement. Of course, Witsen's not just copying. He brings his own sensitivity to the subject, transforming a simple scene into something deeply evocative. For me, this piece shows how art can be about asking questions, not just giving answers.