Koner reder garn 1888

Carl Locher’s "Koner reder garn" is an etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. Notice how the etching captures a sense of place and labor. The figures, likely women, are depicted mending nets, their work crucial to the fishing industry. The etched lines create a sense of texture, both in the fabric of their clothes and the surface of the water. The act of etching itself, with its reliance on skilled handwork and chemical processes, mirrors the labor-intensive nature of fishing. Both require careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of materials. Locher’s choice of this printmaking method underscores the value of craft and manual skill, connecting it to the everyday work of the people he depicts. By focusing on the material and process of both the artwork and the scene it portrays, we gain a richer appreciation of the social context and the dignity of labor.