De Dood 1722 - 1784

This etching, "De Dood," or "The Death," was made by Simon Fokke in the 18th century using the intaglio printmaking process, where lines are incised into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then printed onto paper. Here, the stark contrast of black ink on paper heightens the grim subject matter: death as an allegory. The fineness of the etched lines allows for intricate details, from the skeletal figure to the surrounding symbols of mortality: skulls, a snake, and barren landscapes. Fokke’s mastery of the etching technique is evident in the textures he creates through varied line weights and densities, which give the composition depth. The labor-intensive nature of etching contrasts with the mass production of prints, underscoring a tension between artisanal skill and the rise of capitalist modes of reproduction. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we can appreciate how Fokke pushes against the boundaries of fine art and craft.