Wijsgeer houdt een redevoering voor een slapend publiek 1800 - 1805

This satirical print was made by Jacob Ernst Marcus, probably in the early 19th century, using etching, a printmaking technique. With etching, a metal plate, likely copper in this case, is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. This process creates incised lines that hold ink. The entire plate is inked, the surface wiped clean, and paper is pressed against the plate to create the print. The fine lines and detailed shading are characteristic of this technique, allowing Marcus to create a humorous scene. The print depicts a philosopher lecturing to an audience who are mostly asleep or yawning, highlighting a disconnect between intellectual pursuits and everyday life. The labor involved in creating such a detailed print, combined with its satirical content, underscores the complex relationship between art, knowledge, and social critique. It challenges us to consider who benefits from intellectual discourse and who is excluded or bored by it.