Bomen bij een hek c. 1896 - 1897

Willem de Zwart created this etching, "Trees by a Gate," which uses line and form to create a contemplative scene. The composition is anchored by a large tree dominating the center. A fence cuts across the midground, leading the eye toward a soft, open sky. The artist’s use of hatching and cross-hatching builds texture, lending volume to the trees and depth to the landscape. De Zwart's formal approach places emphasis on the construction of the image, with each stroke contributing to the overall structural integrity. The tree serves as both a structural and symbolic element, its presence alluding to themes of nature and time. The careful arrangement of elements invites us to consider the relationship between the natural world and human-made structures. The etching’s stark contrast and meticulous detail invite ongoing interpretation, revealing how formal choices intersect with broader philosophical considerations about our place in the environment.