Fotoreproductie van een prent van een gezicht op het huis en hofstede Jagerlust, voorheen De Vlotter, te Haarlem door Hendrik de Leth 1900 - 1930

This photogravure captures a print of the house and farmstead Jagerlust, formerly De Vlotter, in Haarlem, by Hendrik de Leth. Look closely at the trees. See how the leaves are rendered with such a flurry of tiny marks. It's not trying to be photorealistic, but instead captures the essence of tree-ness. It reminds me that artmaking is about finding a visual language to communicate an idea. The print is monochromatic, a sea of greys. The texture is achieved through lines, dots, and cross-hatching, creating a sense of depth and detail. Notice the figures in the foreground; their clothing and gestures add life to the scene. The density of marks in the trees versus the sparse rendering of the sky is a clever way to lead your eye through the composition. This print style reminds me of Piranesi, although the subject matter is very different. Art is an ongoing conversation, a constant remixing of ideas.