Fantasie vogels boven een rivierlandschap 1904

This etching by Hans Thoma depicts ‘Fantasy Birds Above a River Landscape’ and it looks like it was made with a very fine needle. The marks are incredibly detailed and delicate. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the plate, carefully building up the image. There is such a tangible quality to the etched line and the soft grey tones, which shape the imagined landscape and the fantastical birds. Notice how Thoma uses the density of the marks to create depth and atmosphere. Take a look at the tail feathers of the central bird, each line is distinct yet they merge to create a sense of flowing movement. It's a really clever piece of mark-making, and it's this attention to detail that elevates the work. Thoma's exploration of fantastical subjects and landscapes reminds me of Odilon Redon, both artists create these dreamlike worlds that invite you to get lost in your own imagination.