Gezicht op een vijver bij Paleis het Loo 1906 - 1909

Simon Moulijn made this view of a pond near Paleis het Loo using etching. There’s a real sense of calm and observation in this print, which kind of makes you feel like you are there, looking. Moulijn has focused on the textures in nature with a high level of detail, especially in the leaves of the tree. I wonder what it was like for Moulijn to stand in that spot, taking it all in? Did he do the etching on site, or did he make some notes and then head back to the studio? Did he feel the peace and tranquility of the place, too? The landscape in the background is very still. I’m reminded of the way painters like Corot used to work, spending hours and hours outside making studies of trees, light and water. In that sense, Simon Moulijn is an artist in conversation with a whole tradition of landscape painting and printmaking. His work makes me want to find a quiet spot and just...look.