Slot Assumburg 1865 - 1918

This print of Slot Assumburg was made by jonkheer Barthold Willem Floris van Riemsdijk using etching, a printmaking technique with a long history. The process begins by coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then draws through this ground with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are “bitten,” creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The beauty of etching lies in its capacity for fine detail and subtle tonal variations. Look closely, and you’ll see how van Riemsdijk used these qualities to render the architecture of the castle. There’s a delicate balance between control and chance in the etching process, and in the hands of a skilled printmaker, like van Riemsdijk, these nuances become integral to the work's aesthetic impact. It’s this combination of material, technique, and artistic vision that makes this print so compelling.