Twee koeienkoppen 1831 - 1904

Arnoud Schaepkens created this etching of two cow heads sometime in the 19th century. Etching is an intriguing process, where the artist protects areas of a metal plate with wax, then immerses the plate in acid. The acid bites away the exposed metal, creating recessed lines. Schaepkens would have then inked the plate, wiping away the excess, so that ink remained only in the etched lines. Finally, he pressed paper against the plate, transferring the image. The resulting print has a distinctive character. You can see the delicate lines that define the cows' forms, and the subtle tonal variations achieved by controlling the acid's bite and the inking process. The image is a testament to the artist's skill, and also prompts us to consider the socio-economic context of 19th-century pastoral life. By focusing on the humble cow, Schaepkens elevates the everyday, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and dignity of the animal, and the labor it represents. It bridges the gap between fine art and the rural, reminding us that artistic expression can be found in unexpected places.