Kalenderblad maart met stadsgezicht in Rotterdam 1923

This is "Kalenderblad maart met stadsgezicht in Rotterdam" by Ferdinand van Wolde. It is a sort of illustrated calendar page, and it's made of etching in shades of sepia. The whole thing has this feeling of being carefully observed, but also deeply felt. Take the water, for example, the way the lines flicker and dance gives it life. There’s a great sense of depth created by the mark-making, as it captures the light and shadow that plays across the facades of the buildings, and reflections on the water. It's all in the details, that build up the image. The texture in this print isn't about thick or thin, but the energy in each line, as the artist seems to be searching for the essence of the scene. This piece reminds me of other printmakers who were obsessed with cityscapes, like Piranesi. Art's not just about what we see, but how we see it.