Zingend paar 1837 - 1853

This print, “Zingend paar” or “Singing Couple,” was made by Hendrik Wilhelmus Last using the technique of steel engraving. This intricate process involves using hardened steel tools to cut lines directly into a printing plate, allowing for detailed and durable images that could be reproduced many times. The very nature of steel engraving lends itself to subjects like this one, capturing the textures of clothing, the light on a glass of wine, and even the varying tones of the faces. Notice how the texture of the paper supports the fineness of the lines, and the way the printing ink is pressed into the paper, creating a contrast with the light. The labor-intensive nature of steel engraving also speaks to the rising middle class of the time, who had the leisure to enjoy reading, music, and domestic comfort, suggesting a new dynamic of labor, class, and artistic production. By appreciating how Last used steel engraving, we gain insight into the social and cultural values of the time, challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.