Lierspelende vrouw gezeten bij een boom 1825 - 1863

Guillaume Joseph Vertommen created this etching, "Lierspelende vrouw gezeten bij een boom," sometime in the mid-19th century. The printmaking process begins with a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, onto which the artist applies a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Vertommen then used a sharp needle to scratch away lines, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, these lines are etched into the surface. The plate is then inked, and the ink wiped away, remaining only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The fine, precise lines of the etching lend themselves well to the delicate subject matter: a woman playing a harp, seated beneath a tree. The material quality of the etching, its ability to capture intricate details and subtle tonal gradations, enhances the overall sense of elegance and refinement. It’s a process that demands both technical skill and artistic vision, and is far removed from the industrial processes that were emerging at the time. Considering the materials and making of the artwork allows us to appreciate the skilled traditions of fine art printmaking, offering a deeper understanding of its meaning and context.