Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam c. 1897

"Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam" is an etching created by Dutch artist Willem Witsen around 1897, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. This small, yet detailed, print captures a snowy scene in Amsterdam's Nieuwmarkt, a historic square known for its lively market atmosphere. Witsen, renowned for his naturalistic and evocative depictions of Dutch landscapes and urban scenes, uses intricate lines and tonal variation to evoke the stark beauty of the frozen canal and the imposing architecture of the buildings surrounding the market. The subtle light and shadow play highlights the architecture, while the boats frozen in the ice and sparse human figures contribute to the scene's quiet, almost melancholic, mood.