Oude straat in Voorburg 1888 - 1931

Willem Adrianus Grondhout made this copper engraving titled ‘Oude straat in Voorburg’ using a process that feels both meticulous and kind of rough. It’s all about these etched lines against a warm, kind of chocolatey background. Looking closely, you can see how the burr of the engraving tool has left a physical mark, like a memory embedded into the metal. The lines aren’t always clean; they wobble and thicken, creating a tangible texture that invites you to reach out and touch. See how the light catches the edges of the buildings, almost shivering with detail? It's these imperfections that give the piece its soul, making it feel less like a precise depiction and more like an impression, a feeling translated into lines and light. This piece reminds me of Piranesi's etchings, with their exaggerated perspective and moody atmosphere, but Grondhout brings something softer. Art's not about getting everything perfect, it’s about the conversation, the back-and-forth between the artist, the material, and us.