The Cat Sent as Messenger c. 1645 - 1656

Allart van Everdingen made "The Cat Sent as Messenger" using etching, a printmaking technique that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The etcher's marks, with their burrs and inconsistencies, create the scene's texture, bringing the animals and their surroundings to life. Look closely, and you'll see how Everdingen used different densities of lines to suggest depth and shadow. This allowed him to create detailed scenes for relatively wide distribution. Prints like this were a key part of the art market in 17th-century Netherlands, allowing artists to circulate their work and build a reputation. The labor involved – from preparing the plate to pulling the prints – speaks to a burgeoning industry where art was becoming more accessible, less restricted to the wealthy. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we can appreciate how technical skill and artistic vision come together in this intriguing image.