Tempel in Benares bij avond Possibly 1914 - 1919

This etching of a temple in Benares by Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp is all about the quiet of evening, made using subtle tones to create a contemplative mood. I imagine Nieuwenkamp, squinting in the dim light, trying to capture the temple's essence, maybe using a needle to scratch out the scene. The image reveals a scene of monumental simplicity with small figures next to the temple, accentuating the temple's scale and suggesting the insignificance of humans in comparison. The texture created by these etched lines gives the piece a tactile quality, inviting you to run your fingers over its surface, feeling the weight of history embedded in its lines. It's like he's in conversation with other artists who've tried to capture the feel of a place, from Piranesi's dramatic etchings of Rome to Whistler’s moody nocturnes. Artists are always building on each other's work. This print shows how the quietest marks can speak volumes, inviting us to pause and reflect on our place in the world.