Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 25 c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this print, its title translating to "rubbing of the chalk drawing on page 25," using chalk and a printing process. The soft, granular quality of chalk is evident in the blurred lines and hazy atmosphere of the image. To create a rubbing, Witsen would have laid paper over the original chalk drawing and then rubbed the back of the paper, transferring the chalk to create a reversed image. This direct contact with the original results in a unique texture. The process of making a print like this carries social significance. It allows for the reproduction and distribution of an image, potentially reaching a wider audience. While not as industrialized as later printmaking methods, this form of reproduction democratizes the image, moving it beyond the realm of a unique, singular artwork. The labor-intensive nature of the rubbing process also contrasts with more mechanized forms of reproduction, highlighting the artist's hand and physical involvement. Ultimately, appreciating the materials and processes behind this print enriches our understanding of its cultural value and artistic intent, reminding us of the connections between art, labor, and accessibility.