Fontein met ibis in Artis c. 1835 - 1904

This is Edouard Vermorcken's depiction of a fountain with ibises in Artis, created using etching techniques. The composition is strikingly organized around a central fountain, around which the ibises gracefully roam. The etcher has employed a variety of linear techniques to suggest form and texture. Note the dense hatching and cross-hatching which creates areas of dark contrast, giving the foliage and rockwork depth and volume. Lines are more delicate in the background, creating a sense of atmospheric perspective. The limited tonal range of the etching medium further emphasizes the structural elements within the scene. The controlled, precise lines give way to the wildness of nature. It is within the framework of the structured, artificial environment of the park and the fountain that Vermorcken allows us to contemplate the interplay between nature and constructed artifice. The enduring appeal of this image lies in its precise execution, offering a compelling view into the constructed natural world of the 19th century.