Boogschutter 1903 - 1932

Adriaan van 't Hoff created this print, Boogschutter, using the technique of etching. This approach, rooted in the traditions of printmaking, is all about controlled mark-making, each line bitten into the metal plate by acid. The fineness of the etched line allows for great detail, giving the image a sense of depth and texture. You can see how the artist uses the etched lines to create contrast between light and shadow, giving form to the figure of the archer and his surroundings. The social context here is interesting – printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images, making art more accessible. Consider the labor involved in the etching process, from preparing the plate to carefully applying the acid, it speaks to the tradition of skilled craftsmanship, and how this has been used to translate images into a reproducible format. Paying attention to the processes and materials helps us appreciate the artistry involved, blurring the lines between the fine arts and more hands-on, craft-based practices.