Landschap met een koets 1629 - 1688

Philips Koninck created this etching, 'Landscape with a Coach,' using metal and acid. The process of etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into that coating. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed metal is eaten away, leaving an impression. The plate is then inked and printed, transferring the image to paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the rich range of tones and textures achieved by varying the depth and density of the etched lines. This attention to detail is not just aesthetic. It's a record of the labour involved. The precise, repetitive act of etching, combined with Koninck's rendering of the landscape, reminds us of the social context in which it was created, in a newly industrialized Holland. Etchings like this one were relatively inexpensive to produce, leading to the wide circulation of imagery, and the commodification of art in general. Recognizing the vital role of materials and making helps us appreciate the impact of artistic processes, both then and now.