Vaas, leeuwinnen en een gier 1866 - 1924

This print, made by Bernard Willem Wierink, shows a vase, lionesses, and a vulture. The printmaking process itself is crucial to understanding the work. Look closely, and you'll notice the velvety texture. This is achieved through a technique called aquatint, where powdered resin is applied to a metal plate, then heated. The acid bites around the resin particles, creating a pitted surface that holds ink. It's a labor-intensive process that allows for subtle tonal gradations, mimicking the effects of watercolor. The choice of aquatint gives these images a dreamlike quality. The subjects, a vase alongside the powerful creatures, evoke a sense of mystery, inviting us to consider the relationship between the domestic and the wild. The process is key; it's not just about depicting these objects, but about imbuing them with a specific mood through a technique that straddles the line between craft and fine art.