Schepen in het water bij de haven van Antwerpen 1876

Paul Emile Nicolie made this etching of ships in the harbor of Antwerp sometime in the 19th century. This is a print, and it's worth considering how that process shapes what we see. The artist would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. He then used a sharp needle to draw his composition, exposing the metal underneath. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface was wiped clean. Finally, the plate was pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. This process allows for the creation of multiple identical images, making art more accessible and reflecting the rise of industrialization and mass production during this time. Look closely, and you can see the delicate lines and tonal variations achieved through this meticulous process. The print captures a bustling harbor scene, but also hints at the changing landscape of art and society.