Man met kruik en pijp 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare created this print, "Man met kruik en pijp," using etching, a printmaking technique dating back to the 16th century. The method involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Here, the linear quality of the etching perfectly captures the everyday scene. Look closely, and you can see how the artist varies the pressure of the etching needle to create subtle tonal changes and textures, particularly noticeable in the man's clothing and the ceramic jug. The marks almost seem to mimic the roughness of woven cloth and fired clay. Prints like this were often produced in multiples and sold as affordable art for a growing middle class. The work is a direct product of its time, reflecting shifts in labor, leisure, and consumption. By focusing on the materials, tools, and techniques used, we can appreciate not only the skill of the artist but also the broader social context in which the work was made.