Binnenplaats van een boerderij 1867 - 1913

Philip Zilcken created this etching, titled "Farmhouse Courtyard," using metal plate and acid. Zilcken scratched an image of a farmhouse courtyard into a wax ground on the metal plate, which was then submerged in acid. The acid bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves that would hold ink. The materiality of the metal plate and the chemical action of the acid imbue the image with its character. The fineness of the etched lines allows for subtle gradations of tone, capturing the play of light and shadow on the rough surfaces of the farmhouse. Zilcken's skill in controlling the etching process allowed him to convey a sense of depth and texture, transforming a mundane scene into a work of art. Etching, as a printmaking technique, allowed for the reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience, reflective of changing social and economic structures. By focusing on the everyday life of the farm, Zilcken elevated the ordinary, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes worthy subject matter for art.