Kaarssnuitende man 1782 - 1787

Cornelis Brouwer made this etching, "Kaarssnuitende man," which translates to "Candle Snuffer Man," using metal, acid, and ink. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy substance, drawing through it to expose the metal, then dipping the plate in acid. The acid bites away at the exposed metal, creating lines that hold ink. The print shows a sparsely furnished interior with figures performing daily tasks under the dim glow of candlelight. It's a scene of modest labor, brought to life through the printmaking process. Consider the labor involved; from the artisan carefully manipulating tools and materials to the anonymous hands that produced the paper and ink. Brouwer employed techniques belonging to both craft and fine art, reflecting the cultural values of 18th-century printmaking. These images were relatively inexpensive, widely distributed and consumed across different social classes. By appreciating the materials, making, and social context of this etching, we understand its importance beyond aesthetics, challenging traditional distinctions between art and craft.