Zeilschepen langs de oever 1841

Jan Baptist Tetar van Elven created this print, "Zeilschepen langs de oever," using etching and engraving techniques. These methods involve coating a metal plate with a waxy substance, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. Engraving, meanwhile, uses a tool called a burin to directly cut lines into the metal. The fine lines and tonal variations show a mastery of these crafts. The image is all about production. Note the different forms of shipping represented – sail and steam, capturing a moment of industrial transition. The scene hints at the labor involved in maritime trade and transport, underscoring how closely art is tied to broader economic activities. Paying attention to the materials and making of this print encourages us to reflect on the social and economic context it represents. It blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and industry.