Groep angstige vrouwen in een bos 1861

This print, "Groep angstige vrouwen in een bos," was created by Gustav Eilers in the 19th century. The image is achieved through the technique of etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Here, the material quality of the print – its fine lines and tonal range – influences the way we experience the scene. The dense network of lines creates a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the depiction of the forest and the figures' clothing. The process involved skilled labor and technical knowledge, aligning it with both artistic and craft traditions. But prints such as this were also made possible by industrial advances, allowing for the wider dissemination of images to a growing audience. Thinking about the materials and processes behind this print helps us understand its place in a broader social and economic context, blurring the boundaries between art, craft, and industry.