Berglandschap met bomen 1613 - 1695

This landscape with trees, by Nicolas Perelle, was made in the 17th century using the etching technique. The intricate network of lines you see wasn't drawn directly, but bitten into a metal plate by acid. Perelle would have covered the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then used a sharp needle to scratch away the coating, exposing the metal beneath. Immersing the plate in acid would create recessed lines where the metal was bare, and these grooves would then hold ink, ready for printing. Etching allowed for fine detail and subtle tonal variations, ideal for capturing the textures of foliage and the play of light across the landscape. The process, though indirect, demanded careful control, a dialogue between the artist's hand, the chemical action of the acid, and the printing press. It’s a reminder that even seemingly effortless images involve skillful labor, transforming base materials into works of art.