Stadsgezicht 1876 - 1922

Albert Baertsoen created this etching, "Stadsgezicht," capturing a street scene. Notice how the wet, reflective street dominates the composition. This element isn't merely representational; it evokes a deeper sense of introspection. The reflective surface is a motif that echoes throughout art history, from ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings. Think of Narcissus gazing at his reflection – a symbol of self-awareness. In Baertsoen's image, the street mirrors the buildings, creating an ethereal, almost dreamlike effect. Water, in this context, isn't just water; it's a symbol of transformation, a portal between the conscious and unconscious. We are drawn to the mirroring street, our own reflections intertwined with the scene. This stirs within us a sense of being lost in time, pulled between reality and a shadowy echo of the past.