Naakt kind met druiventros 1630 - 1652

This print, "Naakt kind met druiventros," was made in the 17th century by Pieter van Avont, using the intaglio process of etching. The plate was likely made of copper, and the image created by drawing into a wax resist, then bathing the plate in acid to bite the lines. Look closely, and you can see the way this process results in a very particular kind of line: wiry and precise. It is an industrial process in its way, one that allows for the relatively easy reproduction of images. This etching speaks to the rise of print culture in the Netherlands during this time. Consider the way this technology democratized the image, making it available to a wide audience. We are also invited to consider the skill of the artist, and the labor involved in the production process. By understanding the materials, making, and context of "Naakt kind met druiventros," we can appreciate its full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.