Man op een hoge stoel aan een schrijftafel 1873

This print, by Willem Geets, was made using etching, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. The result is a delicate, almost feathery quality. The etching beautifully captures the intimate setting of a man at his writing table. The texture and tonality of the print are achieved by layering lines and cross-hatching, a labor-intensive process requiring skill and patience. The man is surrounded by a rich tapestry of symbolic elements. The choice of etching as a medium reflects a connection to older graphic traditions, predating industrial modes of image production. Yet, in its intricate detail and narrative complexity, the print speaks to a modern sensibility. Consider the amount of work involved in creating this image, and how the artist made thoughtful choices about the material and processes to bring us into this world. These considerations blur the boundary between craft and fine art, and invite us to appreciate the layers of meaning embedded in its creation.