Brug over de Rio di San Toma, Venetië c. 1914 - 1919

Willem Witsen made this etching of a bridge over the Rio di San Toma in Venice, but we don't know exactly when. Look at the lines here, how they vibrate! See how Witsen builds up a scene through a network of marks, layer upon layer. The water isn't just water; it's a collection of dashes, reflecting light and shadow. The buildings too, feel like they're breathing, alive with the artist’s touch. There’s a wonderful economy to Witsen’s approach, each line working hard to evoke the atmosphere of Venice. I’m reminded of Whistler. Both artists share a love for capturing the poetry of everyday life, with a focus on mood and atmosphere. But where Whistler's marks feel precise, Witsen’s feel spontaneous, alive. This piece feels like a conversation, an invitation to consider art not as a statement, but as an ongoing question.