Duinen bij Nieuwpoort 1854 - 1879

Jules Marie Armand Goethals created this print titled 'Duinen bij Nieuwpoort,' using etching techniques. The landscape unfolds with a stark, almost geometric precision. Notice how Goethals uses lines, varying in thickness and density, to delineate the dunes. The interplay between the foreground, with its concentrated textures, and the distant, softly rendered horizon, creates a compelling sense of depth and space. The town in the background seems almost ghostlike, a mere suggestion against the sky. Goethals seems to be less interested in representing a specific location, and more focused on the formal structure of the landscape itself. The composition invites us to consider the subtle gradations of tone and texture. He uses these simple means to create a surprisingly evocative image. Observe the artist's attention to line and form and how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere. How does this structured representation challenge our perception of nature?