Ruiters met paarden bij een doorwaadbare plaats 1710 - 1763

Jan Peeter Verdussen created this print, *Riders with horses at a ford*, sometime in the 18th century. The dimensions are modest, less than 10 by 12 centimeters, inviting a close, intimate viewing experience. The arrangement is straightforward: riders and horses dominate the foreground, moving across a shallow stream. Verdussen's use of etching technique creates a wealth of fine lines, building up tonal depth. Notice how the parallel lines and cross-hatching define the forms of the horses and riders, giving them solidity. The background elements, a simple building and a copse of trees, are rendered more loosely, suggesting depth without competing for attention. Consider how the composition divides the space, setting up a dialogue between open and enclosed areas, leading the eye through the image. The marks create subtle textures. The work’s unassuming presentation belies its sophisticated handling of line and form.