Paris Stock Exchange

This is Anton Schutz's etching of the Paris Stock Exchange. The mark-making here is so wonderfully frenetic – it feels like a zillion tiny lines all vibrating together. It reminds me that making art is about setting up a process, and then letting it lead you. Look at how Schutz uses all these tiny hatches to create depth and texture, especially in the buildings. The ink is so delicate; it's almost like he's sketching with light. I love how the density of the lines changes the tone. He uses this to create the shadows and the bustling atmosphere of the square. It’s not just about representing a building; it's about capturing a sense of place and the energy of a moment. I’m reminded of Piranesi, who was etching architectural views a few centuries earlier. Both artists use line to create these incredibly detailed and atmospheric cityscapes, but they also offer a personal, almost dreamlike vision of urban space. This piece feels like an invitation to wander and to discover the hidden corners of the city.