Gezicht op de Leie nabij Gent 1875

Emile Puttaert made this view near Gent using etching, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. To create this image, Puttaert likely coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then used a sharp needle to draw through the coating, exposing the metal underneath. The plate would then be immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these lines, and then the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Think about the labor involved. Each print requires careful preparation of the plate, precise drawing, and skillful inking and printing. The result is a delicate, nuanced image, reflecting both the artist's vision and the inherent qualities of the materials. It invites us to consider the value of skilled handwork in a world increasingly dominated by mechanized production.