Gezicht op Overschie 1890 - 1930

Philip Zilcken made this etching of Overschie, with delicate lines on paper. The landscape is revealed through a network of marks, built up in layers to give the impression of depth and distance. Look closely and you’ll notice the variations in line weight and texture, from the feathery strokes describing the trees to the more emphatic marks defining the architecture and boats. It’s these subtle differences that give the scene its atmospheric quality. I am drawn to the way Zilcken captures the light reflecting off the water, and the way the birds are rendered. Each mark is a decision, an attempt to capture something fleeting and ephemeral. For me, there is a direct correlation between the artist’s hand and our emotional experience of the artwork. It’s as if we can feel the artist’s presence, guiding us through the landscape with each carefully placed line. I’m reminded of Whistler's etchings, though Zilcken’s approach feels a bit more grounded, perhaps even a little bit more romantic. Ultimately, this piece invites us to slow down, observe, and find beauty in the everyday.