Landschap met molen en koe 1860 - 1910

This landscape with a mill and cow was etched by Alfred Elsen. The etching presents a rural scene, dominated by a stark contrast between areas of dense, dark ink and the unprinted paper. Observe how the composition is structured around the strategic placement of objects: a cow in the foreground, a body of water reflecting light, and a distant windmill, all framed by trees. Elsen's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, particularly noticeable in the foliage and clouds. The contrast between the meticulously detailed foreground and the more vaguely defined background emphasizes the structure of the landscape, creating a semiotic relationship between the signs within the landscape. This methodical approach reflects a broader concern with how we perceive and categorize space, inviting us to consider the formal elements that shape our interpretation of the scene.