Huis bij brug c. 1976

This is Kees Stoop’s ‘Huis bij brug’ held at the Rijksmuseum, the medium is etching, and you can see how the process of artmaking becomes really important in this kind of piece. The physical qualities of ‘Huis bij brug’ – the delicate texture of the etched lines, the way the light catches on the surface of the paper – contribute to its emotional resonance, evoking a sense of stillness and quiet contemplation. Look closely at the lines that describe the water, see how they create a sense of movement, and suggest the reflections of light on the surface. There’s a real sensitivity in the way Stoop captures the subtleties of the natural world. The precision of the etching reminds me of the work of someone like Whistler, but with a more intimate, personal touch. Ultimately, art is about embracing ambiguity and finding beauty in unexpected places, don’t you think?