Rotterdam 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout made this etching, titled Rotterdam, probably in the early 20th century. The sepia tones, the way the lines define the boats and the buildings—there's a real dance happening here between light and shadow. It feels like Grondhout is sketching with light. And when I say sketching, I mean it! Look at the docks on the right. You can almost feel the artist's hand moving quickly, capturing the essence of the scene. The lines are so raw, so immediate. It's not about perfection; it's about feeling. You know, I think that's why I'm drawn to etching. The artist exposes the metal to acid, and there is a kind of magic when the acid bites into the plate and leaves its mark. You can see echoes of Whistler in the atmospheric perspective, or maybe some Joseph Pennell—artists who were also obsessed with the gritty beauty of industrial landscapes. But Grondhout brings his own flavor, a kind of directness that feels very honest. Ultimately, it feels unresolved, like a memory. And that's the beauty of art, right? It's not about answers, but about opening up questions.