Twee vrouwen c. 1650 - 1700

This print of two women was created by Frederick Bloemaert, sometime in the 17th century. Its fine lines were achieved through the process of etching. The plate would have been covered in a waxy, acid-resistant ground, and the image scratched into it with a fine needle. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed metal, leaving behind delicate grooves. The act of printing, like many forms of craft, involves a kind of labor that’s often overlooked. From preparing the metal plate to inking and pressing, each stage demands skill and precision. In Bloemaert's time, prints like this played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, acting as a kind of pre-industrial media. Considering the print's making encourages us to appreciate the artistry of Bloemaert, and the labour that went into it. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we move beyond traditional notions of fine art, connecting the work to broader histories of craft, labor, and social exchange.