Omslag voor een serie van zestien landschappen 1827

This is the cover for a series of sixteen landscapes, etched in copper by Carl August Lebschee. The copperplate etching process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer. The artist then scratches through this layer to expose the metal, which is then bathed in acid, biting away the exposed lines. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink to create the print. The fine lines and delicate tonal gradations achieved through etching reflect the time and skill involved in this printmaking process. Each impression requires careful execution, from the initial drawing on the plate to the final printing. This emphasizes the artist's labor and control over the image. Understanding the materials, the making process, and the social context allows us to fully appreciate the artistry of Lebschee’s landscapes. It challenges traditional notions of fine art by emphasizing the value of skill and material transformation.