The flute player ('Het Uilenspiegeltje') 1658 - 1693

This print, titled ‘The flute player’, was made by an anonymous artist using etching. This is a process where a metal plate is coated with a waxy layer, the artist then scratches off parts of the layer to expose the metal, which is then dipped in acid. The acid eats away at the exposed metal, creating lines that hold ink. The material quality of the print, the starkness of the etching, lends a gritty realism to the scene. We see a boy playing the flute, and a woman sewing, each performing their own labor. Printmaking has always had a close relationship with social movements. It allowed for the mass production of images and ideas, making art accessible to a wider audience, and influencing public opinion. This etching gives us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people. The importance of materials and context is understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.