Opgaande of ondergaande zon 1918

Lodewijk Schelfhout made this small etching, *Opgaande of ondergaande zon*, which translates to 'rising or setting sun', sometime in the early 20th century, it's hard to tell when exactly. Look at those lines, so sure and confident, aren't they great? The texture here is all about the line, giving you everything you need and nothing you don't. It's a masterclass in suggestion, where less really is more. Notice how the lines build up to create darks and thin out for the lights. That river winding its way through the landscape is particularly tasty, isn't it? You can almost feel the cool water flowing. The placement of that tree, it’s a total mood, a way of framing the scene, and a way of making the sun the real subject. It reminds me a little of the early work of someone like Hilma af Klint, where the landscape is just a jumping-off point for something more internal, and reminds us that art isn't about answers, it's about the questions.