Boerderij en hooiberg tussen de wilgen aan een rivier 1876 - 1910

Alphonse Stengelin created this print, "Farm and haystack among the willows on a river," using etching, a process with a fascinating history. Here, a metal plate, likely copper, is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches into this ground with a needle, exposing the metal underneath. When dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves in the plate. 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 intricate lines and subtle tonal variations we see in the landscape speak to Stengelin's mastery of this technique. His choice of etching, rather than painting, suggests an interest in the replicability of images and a desire to reach a broader audience. Considering the social context of this piece, printmaking played a vital role in disseminating information and artistic ideas in an increasingly industrialized society. By understanding the materials and processes behind this artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance and Stengelin's contribution to the dialogue between fine art and craft.