Dorpsstraat 1938

This is Dorpsstraat, a small etching by André van Bastelaar. It's a humble, intimate depiction of a village street. The magic of etching lies in its lines, and here, they create depth, atmosphere, and a certain kind of quiet. The lines aren't just descriptive; they're expressive. It's all about how the artist coaxes the image out of the metal. The texture's subtle but important. It’s not about the grand gesture, but the accumulation of many small ones that build up the image. Look at the way the lines darken on the buildings on the right, it suggests their age and solidity. It reminds me of Piranesi, the way he used line to evoke the grandeur of ancient Rome. Yet, Bastelaar's work feels more personal. In the end, it’s the ambiguity that keeps me coming back. It's a glimpse into a world, a feeling, a moment captured.