Aangemeerd schip 1892 - 1928

Johannes Löhr made this etching, Aangemeerd schip, using dark lines to create a dynamic sketch of boats at rest. The cross hatching and close knit lines makes me think about how artists build an image from the ground up, a bit like a collage. What grabs me is the way Löhr’s lines are so present; you can almost feel the pressure of the tool on the plate. They aren't trying to trick you into thinking this is a photo, they emphasize mark making. Look at the lower half of the boat nearest to us; notice how the horizontal lines suggest the body of the boat. See the texture he has been able to create with these simple lines. Löhr's way of working reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker, who used earthy tones and simple forms to capture the essence of rural life. Both artists embrace the raw, imperfect beauty of their subjects, reminding us that art is not about perfection, but about feeling.