Studieblad met zittende naakte vrouw en portret van een onbekende man 1852 - 1890

This small print was made by Willem Linnig the Younger, likely in the late 19th century. It is made using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. The process begins with a metal plate coated in a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating a print. Notice how the etched lines define the forms, creating a sense of depth and shadow. This process allowed artists to reproduce images quickly and relatively cheaply, making art more accessible to a wider audience. The result is a study sheet that captures the artist's process of creation, bridging the gap between fine art and the methods of production.