Brug over de Fulda te Kassel Possibly 1888

This print, Brug over de Fulda te Kassel, was made by Elias Stark using etching, a printmaking technique dating back to the Middle Ages. The process involves drawing an image onto a metal plate covered with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then uses a needle to expose the metal, which is then submerged in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating an image. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and then the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The etched lines in this print lend themselves to the depiction of stone and water, sky and foliage. Stark's labour-intensive printmaking process allowed him to create multiple impressions of the same design, making art more accessible and affordable. The print is a lasting testament to the skill and artistry involved in this traditional craft. Appreciating this reveals how the history of printmaking is deeply interwoven with the social and cultural fabric of society.