Russische man met wandelstok en Moskou op de achtergrond 1866 - 1910

This small etching, titled "Russian Man with Walking Stick and Moscow in the Background," was created by Louis van Engelen. The figure dominates the composition. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the rich textures of his fur hat and coat, rendered through dense, intricate lines. The artist uses the etching technique to create contrast through the depth of the lines, juxtaposing light and shadow which is an integral part of the picture's impact. The man's gaze directs us towards a faint depiction of Moscow, with the architectural structure acting as a backdrop. Despite the small scale of the artwork, Van Engelen successfully captures a sense of vastness and contemplation. The composition prompts a sense of inquiry: who is this man? What does his gaze entail? The tension created through sharp lines and textured surfaces may be seen as a visual metaphor, hinting at the weight of history and place.