Vignet R.W.P. de Vries Jr. Edam 1884 - 1952

This is a tiny etching by Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries, a little commercial plate, maybe for a book? Look at the way the marks are made, each line looks like it has been carefully considered, almost like he is carving into metal. I love to think about the physical effort that goes into making something like this. The artist is making something of a statement, using a very constrained palette, to explore the depth of expression possible within a limited range of tones. The lines create shapes and words that somehow feel like a world. I find myself getting lost in the details. Just look at those little dashes above and below ‘R.W.P. de Vries Jr.’ It makes me think of the work of someone like Agnes Martin, where the limited palette and simple marks create a meditative and immersive experience.