Bosrand 1867 - 1935

Curator: Looking at "Bosrand," or "Edge of the Forest," an etching made sometime between 1867 and 1935 by Maurits van der Valk here at the Rijksmuseum... Editor: There’s a beautiful stillness about this print; it’s all whispers and shadows, like a secret the trees are keeping. It feels almost melancholic. Curator: The texture, achieved through the etching process, creates a rich tapestry. Note how van der Valk uses line to build form. The repetition of vertical strokes mimics the density of the trees themselves, guiding our eyes upward, inviting them in, right? Editor: Precisely. I'm especially interested in the positioning of the smaller tree on the left side of the composition; it pulls away, standing isolated near the boundary of the forest; almost an allegorical representation of human independence or vulnerability. It's set against the depth of field within the dense forest backdrop. Curator: That subtle contrast creates so much dynamism within the rather limited color palette. What I think works so well in this landscape view is the way the slope cuts diagonally, adding drama to an otherwise unassuming, fairly ordinary forest view. There's almost a suggestion of narrative too; look at the tiny figures beneath the central grouping of trees; are they approaching the treeline? Editor: Good eyes! Their inclusion gives a sense of scale to the landscape, further deepening our understanding of how van der Valk wants us to perceive it. We are not just viewers; he wishes for us to empathize and emotionally connect, with not only his artwork but also his intimate and personal sense of appreciation for natural forms. Curator: Well, that’s definitely food for thought and consideration when encountering this quietly potent piece. I certainly now see something quite different here than when we began. Editor: Me too. All those intricate textures really do suggest a much deeper and more intriguing image than perhaps appears at first glance!