Parkgezicht, vijver met zwanen c. 1851 - 1924

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this print of a park scene, featuring a pond and swans, using etching and aquatint techniques. The appeal of this print lies in its texture, achieved through the artist's manipulation of the metal plate. To create the aquatint effect, the plate was likely dusted with powdered resin, then heated to adhere it before being submerged in acid. The acid bites around the resin particles, creating a pattern of tiny dots, which hold ink and produce the tonal variations we see here. This process gives depth and atmosphere to the water and foliage, mimicking the effects of light on the landscape. This printmaking tradition allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, which democratized art ownership in the 19th century. Rather than commissioning an expensive painting, middle-class consumers could purchase affordable prints like this, bringing art into their homes and reflecting their aspirations for leisure and refinement.