Volendam 1888 - 1931

This is Willem Adrianus Grondhout's "Volendam," an etching on paper which captures a waterside scene. Immediately, one notices the stark monochrome, which lends a textural depth to the interplay of light and shadow across the image. The composition is structured around a strong horizontal axis created by the pier in the foreground. This divides the scene, above, the village of Volendam is depicted, composed of tightly packed buildings, boats and figures, all rendered with intricate detail. The buildings are depicted through a complex of lines, dots and smudges. Below, a series of boats, the surface of the water, and support beams create a sense of depth and texture. Grondhout's technique emphasises the graphic qualities of the etching process. He uses the formal devices of perspective and contrast to create a sense of depth. The etching captures the quiet, unadorned reality of Volendam. The village transcends its simple depiction to become a site of cultural meaning. As you continue, consider how Grondhout’s arrangement of form shapes the meaning in the artwork.