Landschap met molen en zeilschepen bij Dordrecht c. 1877

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this landscape with a mill and sailboats near Dordrecht, using etching. The magic of etching resides in its capacity to capture nuanced tonal variations and fine details. An etcher like van 's-Gravesande would cover a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Using a needle, he would then draw his composition, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the drawn lines are etched into the surface. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper the lines become, and the more ink they will hold. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The etched lines give the scene its character, from the intricate foliage to the reflections on the water. As you look closely, consider the labor-intensive processes behind it. It underscores how the values of craft and skillful manipulation of materials contribute to the artistic expression. Ultimately, understanding the making of this print challenges any strict separation of 'high art' from skilled craft.