Wandelrit van prins Willem III buiten Den Haag (blad rechtsboven), 1686 1686

Johannes Kip created this print, “Wandelrit van prins Willem III buiten Den Haag,” in 1686 using etching. Etching is an indirect intaglio process, meaning the image is incised into a metal plate using acid. The plate is covered with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches the design into the ground, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The lines that define the wind-swept trees convey a sense of depth and atmosphere. The controlled corrosion of the metal plate allows for fine details and subtle tonal variations, creating a sense of texture and movement. Thinking about the making helps us appreciate the skill and labor involved in creating this image. It underscores the importance of both technical expertise and artistic vision, challenging the traditional hierarchy between craft and fine art.