Nachtelijk gezicht op een meer 1862

Charles François Daubigny created this etching, titled 'Nachtelijk gezicht op een meer,' which translates to 'Nocturnal View of a Lake' sometime in the mid-19th century. Daubigny, a pivotal figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism, often sought to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere. In this piece, the quiet mood and contemplative atmosphere are almost palpable. The use of light and shadow creates a tranquil scene, but it also evokes the sense of being alone with one's thoughts. Daubigny's interest in the landscape reflects a broader cultural movement of the time, as artists sought to escape the confines of urban life and find solace in nature. Yet, it also speaks to the artist’s personal experience: he spent a considerable amount of time on a houseboat, painting en plein air, directly from nature. It’s as though he’s inviting us to share in his intimate experience of the natural world. His prints capture not just a scene, but a feeling.