Bijgebouw op de plantage Gambar te Java c. 1921

Willem Witsen made this etching of a building on the Gambar plantation in Java, but when exactly, we don't know. There's a delicate balance here; Witsen is playing with the push and pull between light and shadow. See how the dark, almost scribbled lines of the trees in the foreground give way to the brighter, more open space of the building? It's like he's inviting us to step out of the shade and into the light. The textures are so tangible; you can almost feel the rough bark of the trees or the smooth surface of the wooden structure. The way Witsen uses line to define the forms is fascinating. The lines are not just descriptive; they're expressive, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that draws you in. It makes me think of Whistler, an artist of a previous generation, but his mark-making is more restless. It's a quiet, contemplative piece that invites you to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of the everyday.