Parijs 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout made this tiny print of Paris, using etching, probably sometime in the early 20th century. It’s all about the line, scratchy and full of energy, creating the illusion of depth and atmosphere. I love how the texture of the etched lines feels almost tactile, like you could run your fingers over the surface and feel the city emerging from the paper. Look closely at the trees on the right. See how the artist uses dense, chaotic lines to build up the form, giving them a sense of volume and liveliness. The whole thing vibrates with a nervous energy. This piece reminds me of the work of James McNeill Whistler. Both artists share a fascination with capturing fleeting moments and atmospheric effects through a limited tonal range. But what do I know, it’s just one artist talking about another.