Gezicht op de Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam

Willem Witsen made this print of the Montelbaanstoren in Amsterdam at an unknown date. It's all about the nuances of light and shadow, a testament to the power of monochrome. Look at how the etched lines create depth, especially in the water. It’s almost like Witsen is playing with reflections, not just of the buildings, but of time itself. You can imagine him carefully layering the marks, building up the image bit by bit. There is a figure in a row boat, this small detail anchors the entire scene. The way Witsen handles the sky and the water reminds me a bit of Whistler's atmospheric studies, that feeling of a world seen through a gentle haze. Ultimately, the beauty of this print lies in its simplicity. It invites you to slow down, to contemplate the subtle shifts in tone, and to find your own story within its quiet depths.