Willem Witsen, Oude Waal, Amsterdam

Willem Witsen, Oude Waal, AmsterdamThis charming early 20th century etching by Dutch artist Willem Witsen (1860 1923) depicts a canalside scene on the Oude Waal in Amsterdam. He studied this view from a moored studio boat. Here we see several figures caught in perpetuity while undertaking everyday activities. A boy carries a hoop, two women watch the world go by from concrete steps, an older gentleman waits in a doorway. At number 78, a hand written sign indicates that this is a

Frame with wear and repairs

which gives the painting a ‘lost in time’ quality

It’s beautifully rendered with the artist paying particular attention to the light as it falls on each piece of fruit

it’s rare to find a group portrait of three figures playing backgammon - so why did the artist opt for this composition

men often had an hourglass figure with tightly cinched waists and barrel chests

a river draws the eye and carries our attention out towards the middle ground

Medium: Charcoal on paperOverall size: 19½” x 23” / 50cm x 59cmYear of creation: c

it was listed as an unknown artist and signed ‘Solby’

It’s titled ‘You Darling

The last of the day’s sun illuminates a winding river as a canopy of trees creates shade and atmosphere

Surely she recognised the voice

Schoppe could elevate a subject to near-ethereal status - he conveyed a timeless sense of beauty yet also retained their spirit