In de lagune van Venetië 1920

Philip Zilcken created this artwork, In de lagune van Venetië, using etching. The artwork presents a serene Venetian lagoon through a tonal lens, primarily using monochromatic shading. The composition centers on a cluster of boats, with a large sailboat taking precedence on the right. Notice the artist's delicate use of line to define the sails and hulls. The skyline of Venice is visible, although faintly, in the background, with the tower acting as a vertical counterpoint to the horizontal spread of the lagoon. Zilcken’s use of shading and the etching technique itself evoke a subtle contrast between the solidity of the boats and the fluid, reflective nature of the water. The artwork invites contemplation on how light interacts with the water, subtly playing across the architectural forms. The scene could evoke an era where the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere were beginning to challenge traditional, more concrete modes of representation.