Boulevard Saint-Germain in Parijs 1901

This is Gerrit Haverkamp's etching of the Boulevard Saint-Germain, and just looking at it I feel like I'm there, or that Haverkamp was. It feels like a quiet conversation with the city. Imagine Haverkamp, plate in hand, walking along the Boulevard, ready to capture the essence of Parisian life in delicate lines. What was it like to decide to capture this scene? What kind of etching needle did he have? See how the lines dance and wiggle, creating a sense of movement and energy. Some are confident and bold, others hesitant and light, sketching out buildings, people, and carriages. I love the way the architecture leans in, a bit tipsy! Haverkamp's work reminds me a little bit of Whistler, and I wonder if he was looking at his etchings too, feeling that same urge to immortalize the ephemeral moments of modern life. This piece feels like a part of an ongoing conversation between artists across time, each inspiring the next.