Boerenkind met nap c. 1885

Willem Witsen made this artwork, Boerenkind met nap, using a printing technique to depict a child with a bowl. The choice of printing is significant. It allows for the creation of multiple images, making art more accessible. The marks of the printing process itself—the etched lines, the plate tone, and the wiping patterns—become integral to the artwork's aesthetic. We can see the artist carefully controlling the ink to create subtle tonal variations, adding depth and texture to the image. The image shows us the life and labor of the working classes. Witsen engages with a broader social context, showing how the world of fine art can engage with the everyday. By considering the materials, techniques, and social context of this print, we gain a deeper appreciation for its artistic and cultural significance. It encourages us to look beyond traditional art historical boundaries and recognize the value of craft, labor, and the democratization of art.