Nederlands woeste toestand, tijdens de prehistorie 1865 - 1870

Willem Steelink created this small print, ‘Nederlands woeste toestand, tijdens de prehistorie,’ likely using etching or engraving techniques, which were well-established means of image production in the 19th century. The appearance of the artwork is greatly influenced by the qualities inherent to the printmaking process. The image is made up of a network of fine lines incised into a metal plate, which would have been a labor-intensive undertaking. The tonal range is achieved by varying the density and thickness of these lines, creating areas of light and shadow. In its time, this print would have been relatively inexpensive to produce, enabling the circulation of imagery to a broad audience. It reflects a culture of image production and consumption, and reminds us of the labour involved in creating what appears to be a simple image. It also testifies to the enduring appeal of the prehistoric, a theme that lent itself well to graphic reproduction and distribution. So, next time you see a print, remember the artist's hand, and the matrix from which it came.