Zittende spaniel 1650 - 1719

Jacob Toorenvliet made this charming little print of a spaniel dog using etching, a printmaking technique with a long history. To create this image, the artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Using a sharp needle, he scratched away lines to expose the metal, then submerged the plate in acid. The longer it was left, the deeper the lines became, capable of holding more ink. The quality of the lines and the gradations of tone are all due to the etching process. While the subject matter is straightforward, the print carries with it a long history of skilled practice and an understanding of materials. Thinking about the social context of this print, it is evident that the artist's labor and technical skill are embedded in every aspect of the image. By focusing on the material and the making, we can gain a deeper understanding of the work.