Weltevreden 1918

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp created Weltevreden as an etching on paper. The print’s sepia tones and soft focus give the impression of a hazy memory. Nieuwenkamp has captured a park scene in great detail using the sharp lines of the etching technique. Think of the labor involved; the artist would have coated a metal plate with wax, then carefully scratched away the image with a fine needle. This reveals the metal which, when submerged in acid, would be etched, allowing for ink to be applied and printed. The density of lines creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The velvety darks of the trees contrast with the lighter, open space of the park, inviting the viewer into the scene. The making of the artwork asks us to appreciate the skill and time involved in traditional printmaking, offering a moment of reflection away from our industrialized world.