Jan van Rijsewijk - Etching, Prison Gate The Hague

Carel Jan van Rijsewijk, born on September 10, 1954 in Dieren, is mainly active as a graphic artist. Over the years he has made the aquatint etching technique his specialty. Unlike line etching, the aquatint process produces uniform tones that can vary in intensity. This makes it possible to work with nuances. For a long time, Jan has focused on immortalizing historic cityscapes in the tradition of the old masters, with the 17th century aquatint expert Herkules Seghers serving him as an example.
In addition to being a gifted colleague, Jan van Rijsewijk also recognizes the love of his life in Anna Doedijns. And vice versa. Who says Jan, says Anna. They know themselves as professional brothers, soulmates. Jan: "From the start, we have been each other's support and critic. It is a fifty-fifty division of roles. She corrects me and I correct her." Anna: "Without Jan I would never have turned out the way I have. We complement each other. And we have learned to accept each other's criticism, because we know that we both want the best for the other."
They have lived and worked together since 1978. First in Follega in Friesland, then on their ship, which they baptized "Herkules Seghers". A former naval barracks, converted into a home and studio, complete with etching press. From 1983 to 1995, Anna and Jan traveled through the Netherlands with their "Herkules". They have set themselves the task of capturing the last picturesque cityscapes. An extensive project that already produced exclusive series of etchings in 1985 and 1986.