Schapen en lammeren en liggende bok bij stal 1822 - 1899

This print of sheep and lambs by Simon van den Berg was made using the process of etching, where acid bites into a metal plate to create an image. The controlled, yet unpredictable nature of this process is reflected in the dense cross-hatching, which gives form to the animals huddled in a stable. The materiality of this work directly relates to the process of its making. In etching, the artist protects certain areas of a metal plate with a waxy substance, then immerses the plate in acid. The longer the plate stays in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines become when inked and printed. Van den Berg’s skillful use of this technique lends depth and texture to the scene, highlighting the soft wool of the sheep and the rough-hewn timbers of the barn. While etching is considered a fine art practice, it's worth remembering that prints like these were often made for a broader audience, blurring the lines between high art and popular imagery. Looking at the materials, the making, and the context helps us understand the full meaning of this artwork.