Rivier met boten aan de waterkant 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh made this etching of a river with boats on the waterfront, though we don’t know exactly when. The marks build up, light touches that create the impression of a scene, like remembering a place, bit by bit. Looking at the water, you can see the subtle variations in tone, achieved through delicate lines, almost a shimmer. There’s a quietness to it, a sense of stillness. But look closer at the way the foliage on the left is rendered: a mass of tangled lines, almost chaotic, creating a contrast with the serenity of the water. That contrast is important, you know, because it's in those unexpected juxtapositions that things get interesting! It reminds me a little of Whistler's etchings, that same focus on atmosphere and mood, but with a touch more roughness, a rawness that feels very personal. It’s a reminder that art isn't about perfection, it’s about embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the everyday.