Met sneeuw bedekte bergtop 1851 - 1902

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this print, Met sneeuw bedekte bergtop, using etching, a printmaking technique that dates back to the Middle Ages. The print is characterized by fine, detailed lines achieved by drawing into a prepared ground on a metal plate, which is then bitten by acid to create an image. The process of etching is integral to the artwork's appearance. The texture of the lines, varying in depth and density, create a rich tonal range. The skilled hand of the artist is evident in the meticulous rendering of light and shadow, conveying the rough texture and rugged geology of the mountain landscape. The mountain and landscape is carefully considered, built up line by line. This work invites us to appreciate the subtle details of the printmaking process itself. By focusing on material, making and context, we can understand the full meaning of this work, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.