Aarde 1632 - 1670

Frederick Bloemaert created this print, Aarde, using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive power of acid. The controlled removal of metal results in delicate lines, a departure from the bold strokes of engraving. Notice how Bloemaert utilizes a complex cross-hatching to render the form. This is most evident in the figure’s draped skirt and the tree trunk that looms behind her. By manipulating the density and direction of these lines, he creates a rich interplay of light and shadow, giving depth and volume to the scene. The etched lines not only define form, but also convey texture. The rough bark of the tree, the smooth surface of the globe, and the soft folds of the drapery are all rendered through the careful manipulation of line. Such effects rely heavily on the skilled traditions of the printmaker, whose labor-intensive work allows for the mass reproduction and dissemination of images. Etchings such as this invite us to consider the artistry inherent in the printmaking process, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.