Herfst c. 1790 - 1820

This is ‘Herfst,’ an etching made by Franz Gabet, who was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This print was made using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite lines into a metal plate. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper, creating a mirror image of the original design. Look closely, and you'll see how the etched lines define form, texture, and light, and how Gabet has masterfully rendered the scene, using these simple means. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating visual information during this period. They were relatively affordable and could be widely distributed, helping to shape public taste and understanding of the world. They helped to democratize art. Consider how this print operates within a larger network of production and consumption, reflecting the social and economic conditions of its time, and how such a simple method could reproduce a complex and compelling image.