Luise en Walter worden voor hun huwelijk toegesproken door haar vader 1797

This engraving, made by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, probably in the late 18th century, captures a scene of domestic life, rendered through the graphic precision of etching. Chodowiecki skillfully used the etching technique to create tonal variations and fine lines, achieving a remarkable level of detail. This process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through the wax to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed, transferring the image onto paper. His approach elevates printmaking from a mere reproductive method to a sophisticated art form. In its time, etching was a laborious, skilled craft. This print, multiplied and disseminated, would have made images like this accessible to a broad audience. It’s a reminder that what we now call "fine art" has always been entangled with the means of its production and distribution. Considering these material and social processes broadens our understanding and appreciation of works of art.