Wachtende rijtuigen onder de Charing Cross Bridge in Londen 1890

Willem Witsen created this etching, "Waiting Carriages under the Charing Cross Bridge in London," capturing a muted scene through a masterful use of light and shadow. The artwork's composition emphasizes the stark geometry of the bridge's structure against the organic forms of the horses and carriages, creating a sense of depth and enclosure. Witsen uses the etching technique to explore tonal contrasts and textures, evoking the atmospheric conditions of a London day. The deliberate arrangement of elements directs the viewer's eye, constructing a narrative space that invites contemplation on themes of transience and modernity. Notice how the artist uses the formal constraints of the medium to engage with broader cultural ideas about industrialization and urban life. It is an eloquent statement on the evolving relationship between humans, animals, and the industrialized landscape.