Gezicht op huizen en een brug in Amsterdam c. 1915 - 1919

This etching, "View of Houses and a Bridge in Amsterdam", was made by Willem Witsen. There’s a beautiful balance in this piece, a kind of quiet intensity. The muted tones and intricate lines suggest a process of layering and refinement, where each mark builds upon the last. It reminds me that artmaking isn’t just about the end result, but the journey of getting there. You can almost feel the dampness in the air, see the reflections shimmering on the water. The marks are delicate yet purposeful, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. See the way Witsen captures the light on the buildings? It’s a masterclass in observation. I think of Whistler or maybe even some of the early Impressionists. It’s like he’s inviting us to slow down, to really look, and to appreciate the subtle beauty of the everyday. And that, for me, is what art is all about.