Le Puy 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout made this etching, titled ‘Le Puy’, using delicate lines to construct a shadowed archway. The process of etching is all about mark-making, and here, the lines vary in thickness and direction, creating a sense of depth and texture. Up close, you can see how the etched lines build up to create darker areas, suggesting shadows and architectural details. The paper itself has a slight texture, which interacts with the etched lines, adding another layer of visual interest. Notice the way the light filters through the archway, illuminating the scene beyond. This creates a contrast between light and shadow that is so compelling. The image feels a little like looking back in time, with a sense of quiet contemplation. Grondhout’s approach reminds me a bit of Piranesi, who also used etching to capture the grandeur and atmosphere of architectural spaces. Both artists invite us to lose ourselves in the details and imagine the stories behind the stones.