Riviergezicht met zeilschip 1832 - 1880

Willem Gruyter Jr. created this riverside scene with a sailing ship sometime in the mid-19th century, using etching techniques. The image is made up of finely incised lines on a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The artist would have coated the plate with an acid-resistant wax, drawn the image through the wax with a sharp needle, and then submerged the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating the lines that hold ink. The resulting print on paper reveals the textures and tones achieved through varying the density and depth of the etched lines. Look closely and you'll notice the fineness of the lines, capturing subtle details of the sails, rigging, and figures onboard the boats. The etching process, while relatively straightforward, demanded skill and precision, reflecting a tradition rooted in craft and printmaking. This print underscores how close observation and skilled handwork can translate the dynamic activity of river commerce into a tangible image. It brings the traditionally separate realms of fine art and craft a little closer together.