Ruïne in een weiland 1790

This etching, "Ruïne in een weiland," was made by Gerard van Nijmegen in the 18th century. It shows a ruin in a field, created through the intricate process of etching, using metal plates and acid to create this delicate design. The material of the print – paper – becomes a carrier of history, preserving the artist's vision of a crumbling structure. Van Nijmegen's technique highlights the contrast between the permanence of the ruin and the fragility of the printed image. The etching process, with its reliance on skilled craftsmanship, draws attention to the labor involved in artistic creation. Each line etched into the metal plate represents a deliberate act, a testament to the artist's meticulous attention to detail. By focusing on the material and the making, we recognize the value of craft in translating historical and social narratives into tangible form, challenging the conventional hierarchy between fine art and craft.