Vader met kinderen 1768 - 1795

Pieter de Mare made this etching, "Father with Children," in the late 18th century. The print was created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. The linear quality of the etching emphasizes the figures' forms and their social status. The father's sturdy build and simple clothing suggest a working-class background, while the children's presence underscores themes of family and daily life. The etched lines create a sense of depth and texture, giving the print a tactile quality despite its two-dimensional nature. The print is relatively small. Perhaps De Mare was thinking of a growing market for images among the rising middle class. As modes of production shifted and cities swelled, art became a kind of collectible that could be appreciated in the home, much like the father cherishing his children in this scene. By focusing on the process and material of this print, we gain insight into its cultural significance and the social context in which it was created.