Straat met figuur met paraplu 1890

Floris Verster made this print of a street scene using etching, a printmaking process that dates back centuries. The image starts with a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal underneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure to create the final print. The image’s hazy atmosphere is inherent to the etching process, where fine lines and tonal variations create subtle atmospheric effects. Notice how the etched lines define the buildings and the figure with an umbrella, while also conveying the dampness and quiet of the street. Verster's choice of etching, a process capable of capturing detail and atmosphere, aligns with the realist movement of his time, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.