Hoge bomen aan het water 1860 - 1910

Alfred Elsen created this scene of tall trees near water using etching, a printmaking technique, sometime before 1914. The process begins with a metal plate, typically copper, which is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are bitten, creating grooves. The longer the plate remains in the acid, the deeper the lines become. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Looking closely, you can see the fine, intricate network of lines that define the trees, water, and foliage. This labour-intensive process allowed Elsen to create a scene with remarkable detail and tonal variation, capturing the play of light and shadow. The finished print demonstrates a skilled tradition that blurs the lines between craft and fine art. By appreciating the labor and skill involved, we understand the deeper value of this print.