Bøgetræer i Ermelunden 1924

Peter Ilsted made this etching, Bøgetræer i Ermelunden, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, using a monochromatic palette that feels both intimate and expansive. I love how the artist’s process is so evident, like a quiet conversation between the eye, the hand, and the metal plate. Look closely at the texture; the layering of tones creates a sense of depth and atmosphere. The lines are soft, almost blurred, giving the trees a sense of gentle movement. See how the light filters through the branches, creating a delicate dance of shadows. In the foreground, notice the subtle variations in the ground; it’s not just flat, but alive with subtle changes in tone. Ilsted reminds me a little of Vilhelm Hammershøi, another Danish artist who was a master of quiet, contemplative spaces. Both artists share a similar sensibility. What do you think?