Lezende vrouw op een bank, uitkijkend over het water 1861 - 1919

Henri Boutet made this print of a woman on a bench using a needle and acid to etch fine lines into a metal plate. The process of etching gives the image its character. The artist would have carefully controlled the depth of the lines by varying the time the plate spent in the acid bath. This technique creates the subtle gradations of tone that define the woman’s dress and the surrounding landscape. The fineness of the lines also allowed Boutet to capture the delicate details of the scene, like the woman’s hair and the texture of her clothing. This printmaking method was part of a broader print culture, where images were reproduced and circulated widely. It was a skilled and labor-intensive practice. By focusing on the making, we can appreciate the artistry involved. The print dissolves distinctions between fine art and craft.