The Charcoal-Burner, from "Verscheyden Landtschapjes" (Various Little Landscapes), Plate 9 1611 - 1621

Willem Pietersz. Buytewech created "The Charcoal-Burner" as part of his "Various Little Landscapes" series, using etching. This printmaking process involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The intricate linework defines the trees, the sky, and figures, capturing the scene's atmospheric quality. However, it is the title that draws our attention to the social context of the artwork. Charcoal burning was a labor-intensive activity, often performed by rural workers to produce fuel. This print invites us to consider the relationship between landscape, labor, and consumption in the 17th century. Buytewech was interested in landscape as a setting for human activity, and how these activities shaped the environment. The print reflects the intersection of nature and industry, and how it was perceived during the period. This encourages a dialogue about the relationship between art, labor, and the environment, dissolving distinctions between fine art and the realities of everyday life.