Landskab i uroligt vejr 1849

Vilhelm Kyhn created this landscape in stormy weather using etching. It’s a printmaking technique involving acid to incise the design into a metal plate. Kyhn would have coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratched away the coating with a sharp needle to expose the metal. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This process could be repeated for darker lines. Finally, the plate is inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely at the crisp, precise lines which give the artwork its distinctive look. This medium allowed for subtle tonal gradations, and the cross-hatching in the sky adds drama. The etching technique, while requiring skill, also allowed for the reproduction of images, making art more accessible. This relates to the broader social context of the time, as artists sought ways to engage with a wider audience. Considering the materials, making, and context, we can appreciate how it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.