Interieur van de aula van de Universiteit Gent c. 1822 - 1844

This print is an interior view of the aula, or main hall, of the University of Ghent, made by Henri Borremans sometime in the 19th century. It’s made using a technique called etching, where the artist draws into a waxy ground on a metal plate, which is then bitten by acid to create an image. In this case, the soft, gray lines are achieved through careful control of this chemical process, balancing the amount of time the plate is exposed to acid. The print-making process allows for the mass production of images, mirroring the mass education of students within the hall. The architecture of the aula itself is also suggestive. The design features a highly structured, rational layout, as well as neoclassical details like columns and a coffered dome. It is important to reflect on how materials, making, and context affect our understanding of the artwork, as well as blurring traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.