Gezicht op het kasteel van baron Henri van Havre 1887 - 1912

Albert Van Holsbeeck made this print of Baron Henri van Havre's castle using etching, a printmaking process with a long and fascinating history. The artist would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Using a needle, he scratched away the ground, exposing the metal underneath. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating the image. Finally, ink was applied to the etched lines, and the plate was pressed onto paper. Etching is an indirect process; the artist doesn't directly cut into the plate. This allows for a more fluid, drawing-like quality. Note the fine, delicate lines that describe the architectural details of the castle. These lines create a sense of depth and atmosphere, capturing the essence of the building. While etching is considered a fine art technique, it relies on technical skill and careful execution. It bridges the gap between drawing and printmaking, inviting us to appreciate the labor and expertise involved in its creation.