Huis omgeven door kale bomen 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens made this etching, "House Surrounded by Bare Trees," with an emphasis on texture and tonal contrast. The composition, dominated by the house, is symmetrical, yet softened by the organic forms surrounding it. Schaepkens uses the etching technique to produce a richness of detail. Notice how the bare trees are rendered with thin, wiry lines, contrasting with the dense, blurred textures of the surrounding foliage. The house itself is presented in a straightforward manner, its simple geometry softened by the texture of its walls and roof. The controlled lines and varying shades of gray give the house a sense of solidity and depth. The setting evokes a somber, perhaps melancholic mood, accentuated by the stark contrast between the geometric structure of the house and the natural disorder of the trees. The artist here destabilizes our perception of harmony, encouraging contemplation on the relationship between humans and their environment.