Eendjes in het water 1854 - 1892

Willem Maris created "Ducklings in the Water" using watercolor to capture a fleeting moment of nature. The composition is deceptively simple, dominated by fluid washes of green and brown that suggest the dense foliage and murky water. Maris’s brushstrokes are loose and suggestive, prioritizing atmosphere over precise detail. The ducks themselves are rendered with soft, blurred edges, integrating them into the environment. This technique aligns with the aesthetic principles of the Hague School, where artists sought to capture the subjective experience of light and atmosphere. Notice how Maris manipulates the density of the watercolor to create depth and shadow. This emphasis on capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere moves painting away from academic precision. "Ducklings in the Water" exemplifies a shift towards a more personal and impressionistic approach, where feeling takes precedence over form.