Batavia. huizen aan de kali in gesloten rij c. 1921

Willem Witsen’s “Batavia. huizen aan de kali in gesloten rij” is a 1921 etching that depicts a scene of houses lining a canal in Batavia, the former name for Jakarta, Indonesia. Witsen, a prominent Dutch artist, captured the essence of this bustling city, using detailed lines and subtle shading to portray the architecture and atmosphere of the area. The etching's muted tones and realistic style are characteristic of Witsen's artistic approach, offering a glimpse into daily life in Batavia during the early 20th century. The work is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.