Studie c. 1887 - 1897

This is a study by Willem Witsen from the late 19th or early 20th century, and it is rendered in a subtle wash. What might seem like a mere blank canvas to some, reveals itself to be a landscape of the mind. Notice the faint lines and shadows, suggestive of an urban scene shrouded in mist. This is where the symbol of the 'veil' comes into play. The veil, historically and psychologically, represents both concealment and revelation. Think of the veils in Renaissance paintings, often hinting at the mysteries of the sacred. Here, Witsen's veil is the atmospheric haze, blurring the harsh edges of reality. It speaks to our subconscious desire to soften the world, to find beauty in ambiguity. It's a recurring motif, this veil, seen in the works of Turner, and later in the Impressionists. The emotional power lies in its evocation of memory and imagination. This study invites us to project our own experiences onto its ethereal surface. It reminds us that art is not just about what is seen, but about what is felt and remembered. The veil in this artwork reappears, evolving through history to obscure and to hint at the mysteries that lie beneath.