Kwakelbrug in Edam Possibly 1903

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp made this etching of the Kwakelbrug in Edam, and the marks are just so descriptive. It's like he’s feeling his way through this Dutch scene, using the thinnest of lines to define its forms. The reflections in the water, they're not exact copies, but shimmering, almost dreamlike versions of the buildings and bridge above. You can almost feel the air moving, a slight breeze ruffling the water’s surface. And look at the bridge itself, how its wooden planks are etched with such care, each line suggesting texture and age. The image has this incredible sense of depth, drawing you into the heart of Edam. It reminds me of the prints of Whistler, with a similarly delicate touch. It makes you realize that art isn’t just about capturing reality, but about finding a way to express how you feel about it.