Boerin uit Groningen before 1713

This print, made by Pieter van den Berge, depicts a woman from Groningen with a child. It's rendered using the etching technique, where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then filled with ink and printed. This process, which emerged in the 16th century, allowed for detailed and reproducible images, fueling the rise of print culture. Look closely at the figures' clothing. Their garments, precisely delineated, speak to the textile industry of the time. The rendering emphasizes the material qualities of the fabrics, like the weight of the woman's skirt, and her layered apron. This attention to clothing reflects the social standing and regional identity of the subjects. The print's creation involved a complex division of labor, from the mining of metal for the plate to the skilled work of the etcher and printer. These processes, tied to expanding trade networks and workshop systems, highlight the links between art and the emerging capitalist economy. By attending to the materials and making of this print, we gain insights into its cultural and economic context, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce.