Titelpagina voor: F. de Looy Az., De Heer Hendrik Reinhart en zijne zonen of het voorbeeldige huisgezin, s.a. 1820 - 1870

This hand-colored etching, made by Johann Peter Berghaus, was created to be the title page of a book. It's an image made using traditional printmaking techniques, and we can see the handwork involved in every line and carefully applied tint. The etching process allows for fine detail, essential in rendering the idyllic scene of children resting beneath a tree, observing sheep in a pasture. The texture of the paper and the slight irregularities in the hand-coloring give it a tactile quality, connecting us to the labor involved in its creation. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images are the product of skilled hands and time. In a world increasingly dominated by mass production, this etching stands as a testament to the value of craft. It invites us to appreciate the artistry and effort embedded in the making of images, rather than taking them for granted. It bridges the gap between fine art and the more humble world of illustration.