Stilleven 1913

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this etching, ‘Stilleven’, sometime in the early 20th century. The artist's hand is evident in the cross-hatched lines that build up a chiaroscuro effect with a somber palette. It's a still life, sure, but it's also an exploration of light and dark, a dance between representation and abstraction. Looking closely, you can see how Schelfhout uses the etched lines to describe the texture of the objects. In the shadows, the lines are dense, almost velvety, creating a sense of depth and mystery. There's a looseness to the marks, a willingness to let the process inform the image. Look at the vase of flowers – the lines are more frenetic, almost scribbled, suggesting the fleeting nature of beauty. It's a small gesture, but it speaks volumes about Schelfhout's approach to art-making. You can see influences here of artists such as Odilon Redon, who also took a symbolist approach to still life. I see art as an ongoing conversation, each artist building on the ideas of those who came before, and I think Schelfhout’s work is a valuable part of that dialogue.