Standbeeld van Perseus 1855 - 1915

This is Friedrich Wilhelm Burmeister's ‘Statue of Perseus’, an etching made in 1865. Look closely, and you'll see that the image is built up from thousands of tiny lines, each one carefully incised into a metal plate. The process begins with a prepared copper or zinc plate. The artist then uses a sharp tool, called a burin, to physically cut lines into the surface. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is drawn out, creating the image. Burmeister shows a deep understanding of this process. He varies the density and direction of the lines to create tone, texture, and form. The figure of Perseus emerges from the page through sheer labor and control. In a world increasingly dominated by industrial production, the etching reminds us of the value of skilled handwork. It challenges us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and the human touch.