Jonge vrouw met open hemd 1630 - 1800

This small print, "Jonge vrouw met open hemd," was made by an anonymous artist using the etching process. The image is formed by making marks on a metal plate with acid. The plate is covered with a waxy substance, and then the artist scratches lines through it, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, it bites into these exposed lines. The more time in the acid bath, the deeper and darker the lines will be. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see the many small lines that create the image. The artist has used a variety of line weights to create a sense of light and shadow. Note the relative ease of producing prints, as opposed to unique works. This reproductive capability had profound social implications, making images available to a wider audience. While the artist remains anonymous, this etching offers insights into the circulation and consumption of images in its time. Considering the materials, making, and context of this print helps us understand the full meaning of the artwork.