Twee vrouwen aan tafel 1872 - 1950

This etching, "Twee vrouwen aan tafel" by Barbara Elisabeth van Houten, captures a quiet moment with two women. The delicate web of lines creating this image is what grabs my attention. It’s all about the touch, the way the artist’s hand moved, scratching into the metal to create these soft grey tones. Looking closer, you can see that the surface is built up of these fine, etched lines, cross-hatching, and scribbles that give the image its depth and texture. It’s not about hiding the process, but really embracing it. The way the lines build up around the woman standing shows a certain intimacy. It reminds me of Paula Modersohn-Becker, not just in subject matter, but also this deep connection to the everyday. Art is always a conversation, right? It’s never just one voice. Van Houten is inviting us to sit with her and explore these quiet, subtle ways of seeing and feeling.