De fontein van Sint Servaas, Maastricht 1830 - 1899

This etching, "De fontein van Sint Servaas, Maastricht", was created by Alexander Schaepkens, who lived in the 19th century. He used the intaglio process, cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against the surface. The material of the plate, likely copper, allows for the precise rendering of the scene. Note how the quality of the line varies, from thin and wispy to dark and decisive. The amount of pressure exerted during printing influences the depth of the lines and the amount of ink transferred. The process of etching is labor-intensive, demanding patience and skill. Schaepkens captures the play of light on the water's surface, and the rugged texture of the landscape with remarkable sensitivity. His decision to use etching, a technique often associated with printmaking and reproduction, democratizes the image, allowing it to reach a wider audience. The act of making becomes a means of engagement with the world. It reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the physical engagement with materials and the social context in which the work is created.