Den Haag 1917

This etching, Den Haag, was made by Willem Adrianus Grondhout sometime around the turn of the century. It’s almost like Grondhout is sketching with acid; the way he builds up the image with these tiny, feathery lines feels so immediate, like he’s trying to capture a fleeting moment. Check out the sky, how it’s not just a blank space, but a flurry of these marks that suggest movement and atmosphere. There’s something about the density of the lines in the buildings compared to the openness of the sky that creates a real push and pull. It's like the built environment is solid and permanent, while the natural world is always changing, always in flux. I love how the darkness of the carriage and fence in the foreground create depth and shadow, contrasting the muted buildings behind. I’m reminded of Whistler's etchings, though maybe Grondhout has a slightly rougher, more expressive touch. It shows how artists can be in conversation with each other across time, each finding their own voice within a shared medium.