Twee ruiters in bos c. 1749 - 1799

This print, titled "Two Riders in the Woods", was made by Jacques Le Roy in the 18th century. It's an etching, created by using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The artist’s skill is evident in the density of fine lines, creating a full tonal range. Look closely, and you’ll see how the etched lines define the forms of the figures, horses, and the surrounding trees. The relatively small scale suggests it would have been made for an intimate audience of collectors. Prints were a way of circulating images, making them available to a wider public. The image shows two horsemen in a forest, evoking a sense of the era’s courtly culture. It is important to remember the making of such an image, in which the etcher's labor and technical expertise merge, to allow the circulation of a vision of elite life. Considering the social context of its production and consumption brings us closer to a richer understanding of the artwork.