Hooischouwen 1908 - 1932

Adriaan van 't Hoff made this etching, Hooischouwen, which translates to Hay Barges, using only thin lines of ink to build up the image. The values are so close together that the image seems almost bleached out, and because of this close tonality, everything appears equally important. The beauty of this work lies in its texture. Look closely at the hay on the barge; see how the artist uses varied strokes to suggest the roughness and density of the material. The reflections in the water are rendered with horizontal lines that break and skip, creating a shimmering effect. I especially love the way the light catches the edges of the boats, almost dissolving them into the surrounding water. This piece reminds me of the work of James McNeill Whistler, who was also interested in capturing fleeting moments and atmospheric effects. Both artists invite us to slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of the everyday.