Fluitspelende jongen 1867 - 1913

Marinus van der Maarel created this print of a flute-playing boy using the etching technique. With etching, the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating. They then draw into this coating with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The material qualities are significant: the incised lines feel spontaneous, giving the image a sense of immediacy. The relatively simple means of production – requiring only basic tools and materials – aligns the print with democratic traditions of craft. The image reflects a nostalgic turn in art at this time, away from industrial subjects and back toward a simpler pastoral vision. This aesthetic choice also speaks to the artist's values and social commentary. Ultimately, "Fluitspelende jongen" invites us to consider how artistic choices, materials, and making processes intersect with broader cultural meanings.