Hoofd van een vrouw met loshangend haar c. 1919

Willem Witsen created this image, Head of a Woman with Loose Hair, using etching, a printmaking technique that dates back centuries. It begins with a metal plate, likely copper here, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into the wax, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the inked image. The fine lines and tonal variations that Witsen achieved speak to his mastery of the etching process. While etching is a mechanical process, the artist’s hand is evident in every line, making each print a unique work of art. This piece bridges the gap between industrial production and individual expression, reminding us that even in mechanized processes, human skill and creativity remain essential.