Zes mannen in een interieur rondom een tafel bekijken rijkelijk vaatwerk 1889

Jos Ratinckx created this intricate print portraying six men examining ornate silverware. As an etching, the image begins with a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The artist would have coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratched an image into it with a sharp needle. When dipped in acid, the exposed lines would bite into the metal, creating grooves to hold ink. Consider the labor involved in producing these luxury items. The silversmiths would have been highly skilled, using techniques passed down through generations. The cultural significance of silverware extends beyond its material value, symbolizing status, wealth, and refinement. Ratinckx captures a moment of appraisal, as these men assess the value and craftsmanship of these objects. By focusing on the moment of consumption, the print invites us to consider the broader economic and social context that links the hand of the maker to the culture of collecting.