Drie koppen 1758 - 1858

This print, "Drie Koppen," or "Three Heads," was made by an anonymous artist, using etching. The material reality of this print is its most striking feature. Look closely, and you will see the rough-hewn faces of these ordinary people, each with their own story etched onto their skin. The etching process itself, using acid to bite into a metal plate, mirrors the way that life etches itself onto our bodies. The lines are spare but expressive, capturing the weight of their experiences. Consider the labor involved in creating this print, the careful application of the etching ground, the precise lines drawn with the needle, and the laborious process of printing. This is not a grand, heroic painting, but an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, made with skill and care. It reminds us that art can be found in the everyday, and that the materials and processes used to create an artwork can be just as important as the subject matter itself.