Vissersboot met twee vissers 1832 - 1880

Willem Gruyter Jr. created this etching, "Vissersboot met twee vissers," which translates to "Fishing Boat with Two Fishermen," in the mid-19th century. An etching is made by covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer. The artist then scratches an image into that layer, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is applied to these grooves, the surface is wiped clean, and the image is printed onto paper. The appeal of etching lies in its capacity for fine, detailed lines, lending itself well to capturing the nuances of light and shadow. Look closely at the texture of the water, the subtle gradations in the sky, and the intricate details of the boat. The print captures not just a scene, but a sense of the labor, environment and materiality that defines it. By focusing on the labor of everyday life, Gruyter elevates the ordinary, reminding us of the value inherent in craft, in labor, and the making of an image.