Gevel van de Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois in Parijs 1884 - 1931

This is Martin Monnickendam's etching of the Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois in Paris. It’s hard to date, but it could be from anywhere between the late 19th and early 20th century. The piece focuses on the facade of the church, constructed with this super-fine network of lines, giving the stone an aged quality. Look at how the artist uses tiny, almost frantic marks to define the intricate details of the architecture, like the statues and the gothic arches. It is as if the building is slowly emerging from a dense fog. Monnickendam's technique has a tactile quality; you can almost feel the rough, weathered surface of the stone beneath your fingertips. The darkness of the shadows contrasts with the lighter areas, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. This reminds me of Piranesi, maybe it was a reference point? It’s a conversation that seems to suggest the eternal dialogue of artists across time.