Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 3 c. 1886 - 1891

This is a print by Willem Witsen, whose career extended from the 1880s into the early 20th century. It's title translates as "Rubbing of the chalk drawing on page 3," suggesting a work of art that captures not a scene but a process of reproduction. We should consider it in the context of the printmaking revival that took place in the Netherlands at this time. Printmaking had a rich history in the country dating back to the 17th century, but it was now being revitalized through new societies, journals, and exhibitions. Etching, lithography, and woodcuts offered different ways of engaging with urban landscapes and everyday life. Works like this one from Witsen can be understood as an attempt to democratize art by making it more widely available to a middle-class public that was increasingly interested in owning original prints. To understand it better, one might consult the many publications that promoted printmaking at this time.