Gezicht op Mons en de parkpoort 1875 - 1878

Léon Dolez made this print of Mons and the park gate using etching, a printmaking technique that dates back centuries. The labor-intensive process begins with coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Dolez's skillful use of etching captures the subtle textures of the stone wall and reflects the light on the water’s surface. This attention to detail and mastery of the etching process underscores how even seemingly straightforward landscape imagery can reflect deep engagement with materials, making, and the world around us.