Rustende reiziger 1851

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet created this print, "Resting Traveler," using etching, a process that’s all about line and tone. In etching, the artist covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratches through it with a needle to expose the metal. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied, filling these grooves, and then the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed onto the plate, the ink transfers, resulting in a print with crisp, delicate lines. Look closely, and you'll see how Cornet used this technique to create a sense of depth and texture, from the rough stone of the cave to the soft fur of the dog. The very act of etching, with its reliance on skilled handwork and repetitive actions, speaks to the value placed on craftsmanship and artistry in the 19th century. It reminds us that art is not just about the image, but also about the labor and skill that goes into its creation.