Rustend ploegpaard 1902

Pieter Dupont made this black and white etching of a resting plow horse, and what strikes me is how many lines it takes to describe such a scene. It’s almost like he’s building up the image one tiny stroke at a time. When you look closely, you can see the physicality of the medium – the way the lines vary in thickness and darkness, creating texture and depth. Take a look at the horse's mane; it's a flurry of fine lines that seem to capture the movement and energy of the animal. And those lines build up to show the weight of the horse, the burden on its back, and the labour it is performing. This reminds me of drawings by Käthe Kollwitz, who also used etching to depict the hardships of working-class life. Both artists share a commitment to portraying the human condition with honesty and empathy. But it's always a conversation, and each artist brings their own unique voice to the mix.