Beuk 1831 - 1888

Arnoud Schaepkens created this print using etching, a traditional process with a fascinating relationship to labor and reproduction. The artist would have coated a metal plate with wax, then scratched an image into the wax with a sharp needle, exposing the metal underneath. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This process demands patience and control, reflecting a direct engagement with the material. The resulting plate can then be inked and printed many times, making the image widely available. The nature of printmaking, allows for the easy reproduction of images, which democratizes art by making it more affordable, and less exclusive. This contrasts with the unique, hand-made status often associated with painting or sculpture. Considering the materials and processes involved, we start to see how printmaking complicates our understanding of art and its value.