Boeren in een herberg 1630 - 1648

Cornelis de Wael created this etching, "Boeren in een herberg," using the printmaking process of etching. The image is achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with acid, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The character of the etched line – its fineness, depth, and density – gives the image its detail. The etching process allowed De Wael to create multiple impressions of the image, making it more accessible and affordable than a unique painting. In this scene, we see a group of peasants enjoying themselves in a tavern. The material reality of the etching, its replicability and accessibility, aligns with the subject matter, portraying a slice of everyday life. The skilled labor involved in creating the etching stands in contrast to the apparent leisure of the scene, reminding us of the work involved in both art and life. By emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context we can understand the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.