Avond in de Pyreneeën 1867 - 1910

Etha Fles created this print, Avond in de Pyreneeën, using the etching technique. This painstaking process begins with a metal plate, coated in a waxy, acid-resistant layer. 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 the ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure. The result is a print with a distinctive, velvety texture. But the real magic lies in the artist’s hand. The depth of the lines, the pressure applied, even the type of paper used - all contribute to the final image. Here, the way that Fles has manipulated the etching process gives a real sense of the Pyrenees landscape. It’s a good reminder that every print is not just a reproduction, but a unique, handcrafted object.