Ziekenzaal in klooster before 1864

Charles Rochussen created this print, “Ziekenzaal in klooster,” using etching, a printmaking technique known for its fine lines and detailed textures. The etching process begins with a metal plate covered in a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Rochussen would have drawn his design into this ground, exposing the metal beneath. Immersing the plate in acid then bites away at the exposed lines, creating grooves. These grooves hold the ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. The final print reveals a rich interplay of light and shadow, capturing the somber atmosphere of a 19th-century monastic hospital ward. The labor-intensive nature of etching contrasts with the scene’s focus on care and healing. Through the skilled application of craft, Rochussen elevates the everyday into the realm of fine art, inviting us to reflect on the value of both manual work and human compassion.