Oosterpark in de sneeuw c. 1922

Willem Witsen created this aquatint titled 'Oosterpark in de sneeuw' from 1885-1895, a period of rapid urbanization and social change in Amsterdam. Witsen, part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, often captured quiet moments of city life. The print depicts a snowy day in Oosterpark, with figures scattered across the landscape. Witsen's choice of aquatint lends a sense of atmosphere, the soft tonal gradations evoking the stillness of a snow-covered park. The figures are rendered with a delicate touch, their presence adding a human element to the wintry scene. The artist was fascinated by the effects of weather. The image may appear to portray a simple winter scene, but it also speaks to the experience of urban life. The park served as a space for recreation and contemplation. Witsen captures a fleeting moment of beauty amidst the backdrop of a changing city. It invites viewers to reflect on our relationship with nature and the urban environment.