Twee figuren bij huizen aan een rivier in Batavia c. 1921

Willem Witsen made this etching of houses by a river in Batavia. I love the quiet in this etching and how it speaks to a particular moment and place. Look at the way Witsen lays down the marks, almost like short, whispered lines, creating the texture of the buildings and the stillness of the water. You can almost feel the humidity in the air. What was he thinking, standing there by the river, watching the light play on the buildings? Was he capturing a fleeting moment, trying to hold on to something he knew would soon change? Witsen had a sensitive eye, finding beauty in the everyday. There is a casual touch in the rendering that makes it feel immediate. Each line contributes to the overall mood, inviting us to slow down and observe the world around us with the same care and attention. These images continue to speak to us, prompting us to consider our own ways of seeing and understanding the world.