Gnoom aangevallen door een leeuw 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke made this print of an attacked gnome in the 18th century using etching and engraving. These processes involve applying varnish to a copper plate, then drawing through it to expose the metal. Acid is then applied, biting into the exposed lines. Look closely, and you’ll see how Fokke used varying depths of line to create a sense of light and shadow. This skilled labor was essential for producing the detailed imagery demanded by the print market. Through the etching and engraving, Fokke has imbued the scene with dramatic tension. The gnome's distress is palpable, heightened by the contrast between the smooth areas of the figures and the densely worked background. The image would have been reproduced many times over. By understanding the labor and skill involved, we can move beyond a simple appreciation of the image and consider its broader social and economic context.