Zeegezicht met zeilschepen 1847 - 1863

Petrus van der Velden created this sea view with sailing ships using etching, a printmaking process that's all about controlled corrosion. The image starts as a metal plate, likely copper, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches through this coating with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. When dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the darker the line will appear in the final print. The process demands planning and precision. Look closely, and you can see the web of fine lines that build up the image, creating tonal variation and texture. These lines speak to the artist's hand and their engagement with a time-honored technique. The etching process is a labor-intensive method that reflects the wider economic and social context of maritime activity, its reliance on the sea, and the many hands involved.