Twee koeien bij een hek 1803 - 1841

This delicate print, "Two Cows by a Fence," was created by Johannes van Cuylenburgh, likely in the early 19th century, using the intaglio technique of etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed against paper, transferring the ink and the image. Look closely, and you can see the character of these etched lines – fine, precise, and capable of capturing subtle tonal variations. Cuylenburgh uses this process to create a serene pastoral scene. The print medium itself is significant; it allowed for the relatively inexpensive reproduction and distribution of images, playing a key role in shaping cultural tastes and circulating ideas about nature and rural life. By understanding the printmaking process, we gain insight into the social and economic context in which this charming image was created and consumed.