Twee herders bij een waterpartij 1710 - 1759

Jan Wandelaar made this print, "Two Shepherds by a Body of Water", in the 18th century using the technique of etching. The etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratches an image into it with a needle. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer the plate is left in the acid, the deeper the lines become, allowing for a richer impression. When printed, the ink sits in the etched lines, creating the image on paper. The precision and delicacy of line apparent in "Two Shepherds by a Body of Water," indicates Wandelaar’s skill in controlling the etching process. The contrast between the fine lines of the landscape and the slightly heavier lines defining the figures gives the print depth and texture. Etching allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible. Yet it still required expertise, combining technical knowledge with artistic skill. This print straddles the line between craft and fine art, reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the 18th century.