Ænder 1857 - 1928

This print, "Ænder" by Vilhelm Th. Fischer, uses etching to capture a serene yet subtly unsettling scene. The composition is dominated by a body of water, its surface reflecting the stark, bare trees on the opposite bank, creating an interplay of light and shadow that evokes a melancholic mood. The ducks, rendered with meticulous detail, are arranged in a loose semi-circle, their forms providing a focal point amid the watery expanse. The artist employs a dense network of fine lines to build form and texture, giving the image a tactile quality. Fischer’s choice of subject and technique invites a semiotic interpretation. The ducks, seemingly caught in a moment of quietude, could symbolize themes of introspection or the fleeting nature of existence. The reflections in the water destabilize the boundary between reality and illusion, questioning our perception. The formal structure of the print serves to underscore these conceptual undercurrents. Notice that in this piece the artist uses a limited tonal range to reflect the contemplative and transient nature of life.