Schrijvende monnik c. 1910

Bernard Willem Wierink made this piece, Schrijvende monnik, with etching around the turn of the last century. The muted palette is so sensitive and quiet, almost like a whisper. You can see how the artist meticulously built up the image through a network of fine lines and hatching, especially in the monk’s habit, a real testament to the power of process. The most striking element for me is the texture. It’s like you can feel the burr of the etching, the bite of the acid on the plate. The gentle warmth of the monk’s features contrasts with the cool restraint of the geometric frame. The rose branches above the monk's head seem to mirror his thoughts as they reach upwards. This work reminds me of the quiet devotion of the Pre-Raphaelites like Burne-Jones, who were also interested in medievalism and the simple life. This piece invites us to reflect on the act of creation, and the endless possibilities that emerge when we trust in the transformative power of the artistic process.