Wilgen bij een poel 1842 - 1882

Adrianus van Everdingen created this small etching of willows by a pool sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. During this period, landscape art held a mirror up to the complex relationship between industrial advancement and a yearning for the untouched beauty of nature. Here, two figures are rendered with an objective and unassuming style that reflects the Realist movement’s move away from romanticized landscapes. In this image, they are part of the scenery, at one with the willows and pool. Van Everdingen captures the emotional resonance of the natural world. This etching invites us to reflect on our place within it. The muted tones evoke a sense of quiet contemplation, perhaps reminding us of the simple, enduring aspects of life that persist amidst the rapid changes of the modern world.