Naaldboom c. 1944 - 1990

Kees Stoop made this small etching called 'Naaldboom'—'Pine Tree'—with ink on paper. I love the way the lines are so descriptive and yet so abstract. Up close, you can see how each tiny mark builds up a whole world. It's like Stoop wasn't just drawing trees, but the feeling of being in a forest, the way the light filters through the branches, and the quiet hum of life. The physicality of the medium is palpable. The etching feels delicate, almost fragile, but there’s strength in the density of the marks. Look at how he renders the pine needles—they're not perfect, but they capture the essence of "pine-ness." This reminds me of some of the landscape drawings of Hercules Segers, who worked in a similar way, with a real sense of intimacy and a deep love for the natural world. It’s a reminder that art isn't just about what you see, but how you see it.