Vrouw met mantel 1867 - 1921

Marinus van der Maarel created this etching, "Woman with Mantle," using a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The matrix has been incised with lines, holding ink which, under great pressure, is transferred to paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the traces of this process in the embossed edges of the print. Consider the material impact of such a process. Beyond the technical skill involved, this print also speaks to the social realities of its time. Van der Maarel likely sought to reach a wide audience through printmaking, a democratizing medium compared to painting or sculpture. The deliberate use of line and tone evokes a sense of quiet contemplation. The woman's figure, shrouded in her cloak, is deliberately made anonymous. By understanding the etching process, and the context in which it was made, we can appreciate how this artwork blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft, reflecting the artist's engagement with both artistic expression and social commentary.