Boerenwoning met rokende schoorsteen 1870 - 1909

This is an etching by H. Berthier titled "Boerenwoning met rokende schoorsteen," depicting a farmhouse with a smoking chimney. The print is characterized by its delicate lines and muted tones, creating a serene, almost melancholic atmosphere. The artist uses a complex layering of lines to define form and texture. Note how the density of lines increases in the shadowy areas under the trees and on the roof, creating depth and volume. The etching’s composition is carefully balanced, with the farmhouse acting as a stable, horizontal anchor amidst the more organic shapes of the trees and foliage. The rising smoke introduces a vertical element that contrasts with the horizontal lines of the buildings, adding dynamism to the scene. Berthier's rendering of light and shadow is masterful, evoking a quiet moment in the countryside. The scene presents a complex system of signs that invite the viewer to decode elements of rural life and landscape.