The Willows c. 20th century

Gustav Goetsch made this print, called "The Willows", using etching. Look at the lines, how they swarm and cluster, a real testament to the process of making. The overall effect is something delicate and considered, but with this tangible sense of the artist's hand at work. What I find so compelling here is the way Goetsch uses line to suggest light and shadow. The trees themselves are these solid, looming forms, but then the ground beneath them is all dappled light, alive with movement. Notice how the etched lines create a texture that feels almost velvety, especially in the darker areas. It’s like he’s not just depicting a scene, but also capturing a mood, a feeling of being in that place, under those trees. Goetsch, who was working around the same time as the American etcher, John Marin, was part of that moment when artists were really pushing the boundaries of printmaking, exploring its potential as a medium for personal expression. "The Willows" is a gentle reminder that art is always about seeing the world in new ways, and inviting others to see it too.