Gezicht op Krimpen aan de Lek 1786 - 1792

Carel Frederik Bendorp created this print of Krimpen aan de Lek using etching and engraving techniques. Bendorp's methods of making, etching and engraving, involve meticulous work. First, a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground. The artist then scratches through this ground with a needle, exposing the metal. Immersing the plate in acid, the exposed lines are etched, creating grooves. Engraving involves directly cutting lines into the metal with a tool called a burin. Both processes require immense skill and control, and the depth and density of the lines determine the tonal range and detail of the final print. This print reflects a society reliant on manual labor and craftsmanship. The image captures everyday life: people on boats, a horse-drawn carriage on a makeshift ferry. The artist’s hand, through the labor-intensive processes of etching and engraving, mirrors the labor present within the image. The sharp lines and precise details speak to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship during this period. Ultimately, this print invites us to appreciate not only the image itself but also the processes and social context that brought it into being.