Fries met twaalf vogels, waaronder een hop 1581 - 1656

This frieze with twelve birds, including a hoopoe, was made by Nicolaes de Bruyn in the Netherlands in the 17th century, using the technique of etching. The linear quality is due to the incised lines on a metal plate, which would have been covered in wax. The etcher scratches through the wax to expose the metal, and then bathes the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. This creates a delicate surface that can be inked and printed. The soft, porous quality of the paper adds to the effect, as the ink bleeds slightly into the fibers. It's interesting to consider the social context of this artwork. The repetitive nature of the printing process allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. The level of skill required in the etching process, points to the labor involved in creating these images, and the value placed on skilled craftsmanship in the early modern period. Ultimately, by understanding the materials, the making, and the context of this frieze, we can appreciate its full meaning and significance, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.