Untitled (New York at Night) c. 1910 - 1915

Vojtech Preissig made this print, Untitled (New York at Night), and while we don't know exactly when, it’s a piece that feels like a process of layering, of building up an image from dark to light. The texture is amazing, like a gritty, dreamy memory. Look at how the dark ink isn't just flat; it's got this palpable graininess, giving depth to the night sky and the silhouettes of the buildings. Then there are those little pops of light, tiny squares suggesting windows. They almost feel scratched in, adding a sense of raw energy. The bare branches in the foreground really strike me. They’re stark and spindly, a counterpoint to the solid geometry of the city, maybe referencing Whistler's Nocturnes. This contrast suggests a kind of dialogue between nature and the urban environment. Preissig embraces the ambiguity of the scene, inviting us to bring our own stories and interpretations to the table.