Sint-Bavokerk en de Vleeshal te Haarlem 1838 - 1863

This print, Sint-Bavokerk en de Vleeshal te Haarlem, was made by Frederik Hendrik Weissenbruch using etching and paper. The texture and tone in this etching are remarkable, and achieved through a labor-intensive process. Weissenbruch would have painstakingly drawn into a prepared metal plate with a sharp needle, exposing the metal beneath. This plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was then forced into these grooves, and the plate pressed onto paper. Think about the skill and time required for each impression. The choice of subject matter – a bustling town square dominated by the imposing architecture of the church and meat market – speaks to the heart of Dutch society. Weissenbruch masterfully uses the etching process to capture the weight and presence of the buildings, as well as the everyday lives of the people. Understanding the materials, the making, and the context allows a richer understanding of Weissenbruch’s work, inviting us to see beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate layers of meaning embedded within.