Gezicht op de Markusturm, te Rothenburg ob der Tauber 1902 - 1965

Willi Foerster's "Gezicht op de Markusturm, te Rothenburg ob der Tauber" is an etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. The material qualities of the metal and the acid's bite allowed Foerster to capture a great amount of detail. Look closely at the image's textures, achieved by varying the density and depth of the etched lines. See how the process translates the architecture of Rothenburg, emphasizing its age and solidity. Etching, as a printmaking method, democratizes art. It allows for the creation of multiple impressions, making images more accessible than unique paintings or drawings. This speaks to the changing role of art in society, moving from exclusive patronage to broader consumption. It highlights the connection between artistic practice and the expanding markets of the early 20th century. By appreciating the materials and processes behind this etching, we recognize the artist's engagement with both artistic tradition and the evolving social landscape of his time.