Rivierlandschap 1892 - 1928

This etching, Rivierlandschap, was made by Reijer Lieman, likely in the early 20th century. With its delicate lines and muted tones, it captures a quiet, reflective scene. For me, it’s all about the process; the way Lieman coaxes depth and texture from simple marks. Look at the water, how the reflections of the trees and the sky are rendered with just a few strokes. The surface of the print has a tactile quality, as if you could feel the grain of the paper and the bite of the etching needle. I am drawn to the upper left corner, where the dark mass of trees meets the lighter sky. It’s a study in contrasts, a balance of shadow and light that creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. There is something about the mood of the piece that reminds me of Whistler's nocturnes, that same sense of stillness and contemplation. Ultimately, the real beauty of art lies in its ability to evoke a feeling, a mood, a memory and this little landscape does that beautifully.