Meloenenverkoper 1844

Charles Jacque created this print, "Melon Seller", using the intaglio technique of etching. With this process, the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy ground before drawing through it with a pointed needle. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites away the exposed lines of the composition. This allows for incredible detail, as we can see in the textures of the seller's clothing, the gourds on the shelf, and the rough-hewn walls. The final image is created when the plate is inked and pressed onto paper. What's interesting here is that etching was not generally considered a high art. More often, it was used for reproducing images, or for creating relatively inexpensive illustrations. Jacque has used this technique, associated with commerce, to give us an intimate glimpse into the life of a vendor. Look closely, and you can see the incredible amount of labor involved in the production process. This print reminds us that art is always embedded in social and economic realities. By understanding these contexts, we can appreciate the full richness of Jacque's work, challenging any distinction between fine art and craft.