Twee jongens vangen een bok 1769 - 1772

This print, "Two Boys Catching a Buck" was made by Balthasar Anton Dunker. The technique used was etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Looking closely, we can observe the graphic quality of the etched line itself – thin, precise, and capable of rendering fine details. With this method, the artist was able to portray the scene with clarity. The texture of the goat's fur, the rocky terrain, and the figures of the boys are all visible in high resolution. Dunker masterfully uses cross-hatching and varied line weights to create a sense of depth and volume. Etching, as a form of reproduction, was important for disseminating imagery widely during this period. Consider the labor involved – the careful preparation of the plate, the controlled application of acid, the skilled inking and printing – all contributing to a final product intended for a broad audience. The beauty of the line in this print blurs distinctions between art and craft.