Huis met balkon in Zwitserland 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout created this etching of a Swiss house with a balcony, likely in the early 20th century. See how he used the etching needle to create a range of gray tones through closely spaced lines. It's almost like he's sketching with light and shadow! The charm of this piece lies in its tactile quality. I love the way the ink sits on the paper, slightly raised, giving the image a subtle texture. Notice the roof, how the lines almost tumble over one another, creating a sense of depth and roughness, whereas other passages, the sky and the front wall of the house, are left almost blank. It reminds me a little of Whistler's prints – that same interest in capturing a scene with minimal means, creating an atmosphere that's both intimate and a bit mysterious. Ultimately, though, it stands on its own as a testament to the power of observation and the beauty of simple mark-making.