Paardentram bij een ophaalbrug in Sloterdijk 1888 - 1937

Dirk Johannes van Haaren made this print, Paardentram bij een ophaalbrug in Sloterdijk, using etching. The scene is built with a complex series of lines and crosshatching to create a surprising range of tones. It's exciting to see an artist so engaged in the process of mark-making. Looking closely, you can see how the artist builds up the scene layer by layer. The lines feel incredibly delicate, almost like the scene is emerging from the paper. Van Haaren’s skillful rendering of the light gives the image a moody quality. Notice how the artist uses a cluster of shorter, darker lines in the horse and cart to create a sense of depth and volume. The surrounding buildings and trees, though rendered with the same delicate lines, recede into the background. The scene reminds me of the work of Whistler, who was also interested in capturing the fleeting moments of urban life. Ultimately, this print is a testament to the power of art to transform the everyday into something beautiful and thought-provoking.