't Spaarne 1864 - 1910

This is ‘t Spaarne, a print made by Cornelia Christina Johanna van Trigt-Hoevenaar. The effect has been achieved by etching, a graphic process that has a long and interesting history. In etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, before the image is scratched into the surface. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating lines. Once the resist is removed, the plate is inked and printed. The artist’s hand is everywhere evident in this image. Though chemically assisted, the process is fundamentally driven by a form of manual labor, almost an industrial process. This has imbued the artwork with cultural significance, capturing the spirit of the industrious Dutch landscape. The soft tonal gradations, achieved through carefully controlled acid baths, gives the artwork a sense of depth and atmosphere. While the mechanical reproduction allows for wider dissemination, each print retains the unique mark of the artist's hand. Appreciating the craft and labor involved allows for a richer engagement with the artwork, blurring the line between fine art and craft.