Gezicht op grachtenhuizen in Amsterdam c. 1897

"Gezicht op grachtenhuizen in Amsterdam" (View of Canal Houses in Amsterdam) is an etching by Dutch artist Willem Witsen, created around 1897. The print, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, captures a quiet moment in the city, showcasing the distinct architecture of Amsterdam's canal houses with their characteristic stepped gables and windows. Witsen's use of dark tones creates a sense of intimacy and mystery, emphasizing the contrast between the urban landscape and the snowy ground, on which a lone figure walks. The artwork is a testament to Witsen's mastery of etching and his ability to evoke the atmosphere of daily life in Amsterdam.