Zilverreiger (toiletmakend) 1892 - 1931

This is "Zilverreiger (toiletmakend)" by Henri Verstijnen, a print made sometime in the early 20th century. Look at the mark-making here - it's all about lines, right? It reminds me how art-making is such a process. You start with one thing and see where it leads you. The texture in this piece is incredible, even though it's just black and white. See how the lines create this sense of depth, especially in the water? And the bird's feathers – it's like you can almost feel them. Take a look at the way the lines radiate out from the center of the lily pads. It’s like an explosion of energy, but also super delicate. This piece reminds me a little of Whistler's etchings, the way he used line to create atmosphere. But Verstijnen has his own thing going on, more graphic somehow, and there's this raw energy. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, with artists building on what came before, but always bringing something new to the table.