Boats 1910

This etching, "Boats" by Ruel P. Tolman, shows us these vessels using nothing more than delicate lines on a plate. Look closely; the marks create the illusion of depth, especially in the water’s reflection. It's a reminder that art-making is a process of layering, whether it's paint or ink. What gets me are those horizontal lines at the bottom. See how they suggest water, but also flatten the space? It's like Tolman is playing with our perception, making us question what's solid and what's just a shimmering surface. The sepia tones add to this ambiguity, giving the scene a nostalgic, dreamlike quality. It reminds me of Whistler’s prints, especially in the way he captures a fleeting moment with such economy of means. Both artists understood that suggestion is often more powerful than description. Art is not about fixed meanings but about opening up possibilities.