Pad bij een beek Possibly 1630 - 1765

This print, "Path by a Brook," was made in the 17th century by Anthonie Waterloo, using the technique of etching. This is an intaglio process, meaning that the image is incised into a metal plate, in this case likely copper. Look closely and you can see how the lines vary in thickness and depth; this is achieved by controlling the strength of the acid that bites into the plate. Once etched, the plate would have been inked, the surface wiped clean, and then pressed onto paper. The pressure forces the paper into the etched lines, picking up the ink and creating the image. Waterloo was a master of landscape, and etching was the perfect medium for his vision. It allowed him to capture the textures of bark, foliage, and rock, to create a convincing illusion of depth and space. But the print also bears witness to the artist's labor, and to the sophisticated technical knowledge that underpinned his artistry. So while the scene may seem like a simple slice of nature, it is really a testament to human skill and ingenuity.