Poorten met een kok en een vrouw c. 1731 - 1788

Johann Esaias Nilson made this print, "Poorten met een kok en een vrouw," using etching. This intaglio process involves drawing into a prepared ground on a metal plate with a sharp needle, then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the metal where the ground has been removed, creating recessed lines that hold ink. Consider how this process impacts the appearance of the print. The linear quality, achieved by the artist's hand directly engaging with the metal, gives the image its crisp, delicate character. Nilson's skill with the etching needle results in fine details and shading, lending depth to the scene. Prints like this were widely produced in the 18th century, indicative of a growing consumer culture. They democratized art, making images accessible to a broader audience than unique paintings. The labor involved in creating such prints reflects the industrious spirit of the time, where craftsmanship and skill were valued. Appreciating the process and material allows us to see beyond the image, to understand the social and economic context in which it was created.