Sientje Mesdag-van Houten lezend aan tafel 1877 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten created this print of Sientje Mesdag-van Houten reading at a table using an etching technique. The image is built up through a delicate network of lines, allowing van Houten to describe the scene as a play of light and shadow. The inky blacks of the etching give the scene a sense of intimacy, don’t they? It feels like a stolen moment, a private world illuminated by the soft glow of those two lamps. Look closely at the way the lines vary in thickness and direction. See how they create a sense of depth and texture, from the folds of the curtains to the pages of the book. It’s all about mark-making, about building up an image bit by bit, and each mark contributes to the emotional weight of the scene. This piece reminds me of Whistler's subtle tonal studies in etching, where atmosphere and mood take precedence over detail. There’s a quietness here, a reverence for the act of reading and the power of art to capture fleeting moments.