Gezicht op Veules met wal c. 1873

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this print of Veules using etching, a printmaking technique dependent on acid. The process begins with a metal plate, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant material. The artist then draws through this layer, exposing the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into these lines, creating grooves. Ink is then forced into these grooves, the surface wiped clean, and the image transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely and you can discern the subtle textures and tones achieved through this method. Consider the labor involved, from preparing the plate to the final print. This wasn't just about artistic vision, it was about craft, skill, and a deep understanding of materials and chemistry. These processes, with their reliance on skill, offer a challenge to traditional art history's focus on individual genius.