Beek door het bos met takken in het water 1833 - 1879

This print, "Beek door het bos met takken in het water," was created by César de Cock using the intaglio technique. Here, an image is incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. De Cock meticulously etched the image, creating a dense network of lines to capture the depth and texture of the forest. Intaglio printing offered artists the opportunity to create multiple reproductions of an original design, which could be sold and distributed to a wide audience. The dense network of lines and the tonal variations are achieved through the labor-intensive process of etching, which involves applying acid to the metal plate to create the recessed lines that hold the ink. By focusing on the materials, processes, and broader contexts of production, we can appreciate not only the artistic skill involved but also its cultural significance.