Vos met spoor 1751

Johann Elias Ridinger created this print, "Fox with track," using etching and engraving. The intricate process starts with a metal plate, likely copper. The artist would have covered it with a waxy ground, then used a needle to draw the image, exposing the metal. An acid bath etches the lines, creating grooves. The deeper the grooves, the darker the lines when printed. Engraving adds finer details, using a burin to cut lines directly into the plate. This combination of techniques allowed Ridinger to achieve a rich range of tones and textures, from the fox's fur to the dense forest background. Prints like this were produced in multiples, making images accessible to a wider audience. It reflects a shift towards mass production and consumption of art, tied to the growth of a commercial market in the 18th century. The skilled labor involved, from the artist to the printer, highlights the changing nature of artistic production during this period. This work invites us to consider the artistry and labor behind its creation, bridging fine art and craft.