Onbekende man met jachtgeweer, mogelijk Max van den Berge, aan zijn zijde een knielende tweede man en jachthond 1864 - 1911

This etching by Frans Lauwers, made around the turn of the century, presents a hunting scene. It's important to remember that prints like this one were not simply reproductions, but original works of art in their own right. The process begins with a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, which is then coated with a waxy ground. The artist scratches an image into this ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer the plate remains in the acid, the deeper the lines become, allowing for a richer, darker impression when printed. Look closely, and you can see how Lauwers used this technique to great effect, creating a range of tones and textures. The crisp lines of the hunter’s jacket contrast with the softer, more blurred lines of the landscape. This speaks to the labor involved not only in the hunt itself, but also in the skilled work required to produce such a detailed and evocative image. Printmaking traditions are important to consider as they can often be overlooked in favor of painting or sculpture. This work reminds us of the value in looking closely at materials and processes to fully appreciate the artistry involved.