Landscape at Night c. 1880 - 1907

This is Theodoor Verstraete’s "Landscape at Night", an etching printed on paper. Verstraete was a master of capturing atmospheric conditions, and here he’s used the etching process to great effect. This intaglio printmaking technique involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate. The plate is then inked, and the ink held in the etched lines is transferred to paper under high pressure. Consider the artist's skillful manipulation, and the tonal range achieved. Dark, velvety blacks contrast with the subtle grays of the water and sky. It’s a testament to Verstraete's mastery of the etching medium, and its capacity to convey a sense of place, a somber mood. While etching allows for relatively quick reproduction, each print still requires careful hand-craftsmanship. This highlights an interesting intersection: the print as a multiple, versus the individual artistic labor involved in its production. It encourages us to think about the wider social and economic context in which art is made and consumed.