Boerderij in een landschap 1757 - 1814

Hendrik Hoogers made this print, "Boerderij in een landschap", using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. The process begins by coating a metal plate, usually copper, with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this ground with a needle, exposing the metal. When the plate is immersed in acid, the drawn lines are “bitten” into the surface. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be. This etches the image onto the plate, allowing for many impressions to be made. The etched line has a unique quality, distinct from an engraving, which is cut directly into the metal. The etching needle moves more freely, giving a more informal, sketch-like feel. This etching method allowed Hoogers to depict a quaint scene from everyday life, making it accessible for a wider audience. The print becomes a kind of social document, capturing a moment in time and preserving it through a relatively efficient production process.