Twee eenden 1617 - 1681

Cornelis Saftleven created this small etching "Two Ducks," using delicate lines to capture the texture and form of these creatures. The composition is deceptively simple, with one duck in profile and the other facing forward, set against a minimal landscape. Saftleven's mark-making is remarkable here. The lines vary in weight and direction to suggest the soft, layered feathers, creating a tactile sense despite the two-dimensional nature of the print. Notice how the careful hatching and cross-hatching define the ducks' volume and the subtle play of light across their bodies. Structurally, the contrast between the detailed foreground and the sparse background directs our focus, while the rhythmic patterns of the lines evoke a sense of natural order. This piece challenges traditional notions of scale and subject matter, elevating the mundane to an object of artistic scrutiny. The beauty of this work lies in its formal qualities, inviting us to reconsider our understanding of value, representation and the natural world.