Gracht in Dordrecht 1899 - 1928

This etching, *Gracht in Dordrecht*, was made by Jan Toorop, though I’m not sure exactly when. What I love is the nervous energy of the lines. They remind me that artmaking is a process, it's a dialogue between the artist and the plate. The texture here is incredible, right? See how the lines vary in thickness and direction? Some are bold and assertive, others are delicate and almost hesitant. The way he suggests the water, with those vertical lines, is so simple yet so effective. Then there’s that lone tree on the bank, its branches reaching up into the sky like tangled thoughts. Look at the tiny loops and scribbles in the water, suggesting reflections and movement. It’s like a visual poem. I'm reminded of Whistler's etchings of Venice. There's the same emphasis on atmosphere and mood, and the same kind of quiet intensity. Toorop invites us to slow down, to really look, and to find beauty in the everyday.