Wandelaars in een park te Zeist after 1781

Johannes de Bosch made this etching of walkers in a park in Zeist sometime in the 18th century. The making of this artwork has a direct relationship to the modes of production of the 18th century. Etchings like these were primarily produced as a means to circulate images, making them accessible to a broader audience. This printmaking technique allowed for the efficient reproduction of designs, playing a crucial role in the dissemination of visual information. The artwork's fine lines and detailed shading were achieved by incising the design into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. The social context of this piece is evident in the depiction of leisurely activities within a park setting, reflecting the values and pastimes of the bourgeoisie. The skilled craftsmanship required for etching, combined with its role in image distribution, challenges the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft, highlighting the material processes and social implications embedded within the artwork.