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

Willem Witsen made this piece, Brug over de Rio di San Toma, Venetië, a print, using subtle tonal variations that feel more like a slow reveal than a bold statement. It’s a reminder that art isn't always about shouting; sometimes it whispers. Looking closely, you can see how the texture of the paper interacts with the ink, creating a soft, almost dreamy effect. The lines aren't harsh; they blend gently, giving the scene a hazy, humid feel, like Venice itself is breathing. The way the light catches the water, it's all in these delicate touches. The reflections aren’t perfect mirrors, they waver and blur, adding to the sense of movement and impermanence. It makes me think of Whistler and his etchings of London—that same feeling of capturing a fleeting moment, of finding beauty in the everyday. It's a conversation across time, these artists speaking to each other through their work, reminding us that art is an ongoing exploration, full of questions and never just one answer.