Zandgravers c. 1887 - 1888

"Zandgravers", or "Sand Diggers," was created by Willem de Zwart as an etching. The fine lines of the etching process are perfect for capturing the granularity of the sand and the texture of the workers' clothing. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then cleaned, inked, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The material qualities of this print emphasize the physical labor of the sand diggers, highlighting the repetitive marks, and the stark contrasts, all pointing to the conditions of the working class. The social context of labor, as well as the material process of its making, are crucial to understanding its social importance.