Kunstenaar in zijn atelier 1825 - 1882

This print, *Kunstenaar in zijn atelier*, was made by Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet using etching, a process that democratized image-making in the 19th century. The stark contrast of light and shadow, achieved by incising lines into a metal plate, speaks to the meticulous labor involved. The process relies on craft and chemistry, from the preparation of the plate to the precise timing of the acid bath. The artist's hand is ever-present, despite the repeatable nature of the medium. Etching allowed for a wider distribution of images, making art more accessible. This print captures the artist within his workspace, surrounded by the tools of his trade, and subtly comments on the social position of the artist. The circulation of such images through printed media influenced the cultural landscape, challenging traditional hierarchies between fine art and craft.