Vader en zoon hijsen de vlag 1880 - 1881

Constant Aimé Marie Cap created this etching, "Vader en zoon hijsen de vlag," meaning "Father and Son Hoisting the Flag," using a metal plate and acid. This printmaking technique allows for the creation of fine, detailed lines, as we see in the intricate patterns of the carpet and the textures of the clothing. The etched lines create a sense of depth and shadow, giving the scene a rich, almost tangible quality. The material—the metal plate—and the process—etching—are essential to the image's impact. It suggests a social context of skilled labor, where the artist's craft is valued. By focusing on the family raising a flag, perhaps a patriotic gesture, Cap's print uses traditional printmaking methods to depict a scene of domestic life imbued with broader social significance. Appreciating the print requires an awareness of the labor-intensive process that lies behind it.