Schuiten in 't IJ in Amsterdam c. 1910 - 1911

Willem Witsen made this etching, Schuiten in 't IJ in Amsterdam, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's all about the subtle dance of browns and grays, a quiet symphony of tones. The artist's touch feels immediate, like a quick sketch capturing a fleeting moment. You can almost feel the cool, damp air of the Amsterdam harbor. Notice the way the light catches on the water, those tiny ripples reflecting the sky. And the boat itself – the details aren't sharp, but there's a real sense of its weight and presence. The textures are amazing too. The rough wood of the boat contrasts with the smooth, glassy surface of the water. It reminds me a bit of Whistler’s etchings of the Thames. Both artists knew how to find beauty in the everyday, turning simple scenes into something really special. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.