Landschap met bomen, hoofd van een jongen en Chinees figuur 1867 - 1890

Philip Zilcken created this etching, "Landschap met bomen, hoofd van een jongen en Chinees figuur," using a metal plate, likely copper. He manipulated the surface with acid to create lines that hold ink. Look closely and you'll notice the image comprises three seemingly unrelated sketches. This hints at the experimental nature of the etching process. Zilcken likely used this plate as a kind of sketchbook, testing compositions and refining his skills. Etching is often seen as a highly skilled practice, requiring years of training to master the manipulation of acid and metal. But it is also reproducible. The artist can make many copies from the same plate. This raises interesting questions about the role of labor in artmaking and how an art object gains value. Zilcken's etching reminds us of the labour and skill embedded in the making process.