Twee figuren lopen langs een stadsgracht 1896

Omer Coppens created this etching, "Two Figures Walking Along a City Canal," using dark ink on paper. The striking contrast in the print immediately grabs your attention. The dark, almost gothic buildings loom over the bright, reflective canal, creating a play between light and shadow that evokes a sense of mystery. The composition is structured around the canal. It acts as a strong horizontal line dividing the image and drawing the eye deep into the cityscape. The buildings and their reflections are rendered with dense, cross-hatched lines, providing a textural richness that contrasts with the smoother, lighter sky. The two figures mentioned in the title are secondary to the architecture. Coppens uses the formal elements of line and contrast to engage with broader themes of urban life and perception. The etching challenges fixed perspectives, inviting viewers to consider the interplay between what is seen and what is reflected. The composition's formal qualities serve as a gateway to deeper contemplation about the nature of reality itself.