Rijdende trein 1865 - 1936

Nicolaas van der Waay’s etching presents us with a scene dominated by the stark contrasts of light and shadow, where a train emerges as a powerful, almost spectral form. The use of line and texture creates a palpable sense of movement and industrial grit. Notice how the artist uses the converging lines of the tracks to draw our eyes towards the train, a symbol of modernity piercing through the landscape. The composition is carefully structured, employing linear perspective to give a clear sense of depth and spatial organization. This reflects the late 19th and early 20th century’s fascination with technology and the changing landscape. Van der Waay’s technique captures not just the physical presence of the train, but also the dynamism and potential disruption it represents. It is a compelling reminder of how industrial progress transforms our perception of space and time.