Man aan de deur van een herberg 1776 - 1815

Marie Lambertine Coclers created this print, "Man aan de deur van een herberg," using etching, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. The effect is a network of fine lines which describe figures outside a modest inn. This method allowed Coclers to create multiple copies, making art accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy. Etching was a technique that democratized image-making. The texture created through etching gives the scene a sense of depth and detail, emphasizing the everyday life of ordinary people. Coclers, as a woman artist in the 18th century, challenged traditional roles. Her choice of subject, focusing on common folk, reflects an interest in the lives and labor of the working class. By understanding the materials and processes behind this print, we gain insight into the social context of its creation, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.