Twee siervissen 1892 - 1951

Janus de Winter made this etching of two ornamental fish, probably in a studio, using etching tools and acid on a metal plate. Look at how de Winter scratched into the plate to create the image. The lines are direct and kind of nervous, capturing the delicate forms of the fish, and creating depth and texture. I can imagine de Winter hunched over the plate, carefully drawing each line, considering how it will translate when printed. You get the sense of direct contact, a physical and intimate interaction with the material. The lines feel very natural, and even though there's a looseness in the lines, they come together to make a recognizable image. I’m reminded of James Ensor’s etchings, and how he used line to animate the image. Artists, right? Always responding and inspiring each other! Ultimately, what I love about this print is the way it balances representation and abstraction, suggesting a world of movement and light through simple lines and tones. It's a reminder that painting, like life, is a process of becoming, always evolving, and never quite fixed.