Boer zoekt vlooien in zijn kleding 1620 - 1685

Adriaen van Ostade made this etching, "Boer zoekt vlooien in zijn kleding" – or "Peasant looking for fleas in his clothing" – sometime in the 17th century. The printmaking process is crucial to understanding this image. To create the picture, Ostade would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Then, using a sharp needle, he scratched away the ground to expose the metal underneath. Immersing the plate in acid would bite into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The resulting lines are not just descriptive; they define the image and show the effects of labor, and hint at the realities of everyday life, especially for the working class. The very act of producing multiple prints underscores the importance of accessibility, allowing this image of a commoner’s struggle to reach a wider audience. Ostade’s choice of printmaking emphasizes the value of craft and the significance of everyday subjects, blurring the lines between fine art and the realities of life.