Et ridende postbud [?] Ved Århus 1828

Christian David Gebauer created this etching, *A Riding Postman near Aarhus,* sometime in the early 19th century. The printmaking process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material, scratching an image into it, then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The image shows a postman on horseback, burdened with deliveries, crossing a rickety bridge as his dog bounds after him. The linear quality of etching lends itself well to capturing the intricate details of the scene – from the postman's weathered face to the textures of his clothing and the horse’s lean frame. The choice of etching as a medium speaks to the work’s function as a relatively inexpensive, reproducible image. This print provides insight into the everyday realities of labor and communication in a pre-industrial world. The postman's arduous journey underscores the human effort required to connect communities across distances. By focusing on these narratives, we can reconsider what constitutes important art, and break down hierarchies between fine art and craft.