Koeien bij het water 1809 - 1837

Pieter de Goeje created this tranquil etching of cows by the water, using a metal plate to transfer the image onto paper. Etching is an indirect process. First, the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating. Then, they use a sharp needle to draw through the wax, exposing the metal underneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Finally, the plate is inked, the surface wiped clean, and the image is printed onto paper under high pressure. The fine lines and subtle gradations of tone in this print reveal the artist's careful manipulation of the etching process. By controlling the depth and density of the etched lines, de Goeje was able to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in the scene. The resulting pastoral scene reflects the realities of agrarian labor, and the close proximity of people to the natural world. Considering the artistry involved in etching alongside the social and economic context in which it was made, encourages us to rethink the boundaries of art and craft.