Stilleven met kruik en een kandelaar op een boek before 1909

This is an etching by W.F. Barber depicting a still life with a jug and candlestick on a book. The muted tones and soft lines create a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The composition is strikingly simple, with the jug as the central form, its curved shape contrasting against the more angular lines of the candlestick and book. Barber uses a delicate, almost minimalist approach to suggest form and texture. Look closely at the etching technique: the fine, closely spaced lines create areas of shadow, while the lighter areas are achieved through more sparse mark-making. This interplay of light and shadow gives the objects a sense of depth and volume. The overall effect is one of understated elegance, inviting contemplation on the beauty of everyday objects. The artwork reflects a broader interest in the late 19th century in capturing the essence of things, rather than their literal appearance, opening a space for the viewer's interpretation.