Meisje wordt terecht gewezen door haar grootmoeder 1852 - 1890

This print by Willem Linnig II, whose dates are 1842 to 1890, is an etching, a process by which lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, and then filled with ink for printing. The beauty of etching lies in its capacity to capture fine detail. Here, Linnig uses it to great effect, detailing both the interior scene and the textures of the clothing. What makes this image compelling is how Linnig deploys this fine technique to depict a domestic drama, which plays out across class lines. Look closely at the traditional garments of the standing figure – especially the complex embellishment. This attire is rendered with the same care as the domestic space. It’s a potent reminder that craft, like class, is not a static, monolithic thing. It’s a vital, adaptable set of skills that permeates all levels of society. Linnig’s etching offers us a snapshot of the lives of people through the nuances of material culture.