Fruitstilleven 1848 - 1909

This still life was realized by Johannes Arnoldus Boland through etching, a process which allows for intricate detail. The image has a tactile quality; notice the varying tonality across the composition, with its rough surface in contrast to the sleek appearance of the frame. These effects were produced by repeatedly covering a metal plate with an acid-resistant coating, scratching away the image, and then submerging the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed metal. The plate is then inked and printed, transferring the image onto paper. The social significance of etching lies in its capacity for reproduction. It was not only an artistic tool, but a means of mass communication, and it allowed for the wide circulation of imagery at a time of political change. The detailed work and layering of textures in this work, shows Boland's mastery and technical skill. Recognizing the importance of material processes allows us to understand the artist's labor and the wider cultural context in which this seemingly simple still life was produced.