Herders voor de tombe van Caecilia Metella 1796

François Morel made this print, Herders voor de tombe van Caecilia Metella, using etching. The print’s stark contrasts, achieved by selectively applying acid to a metal plate, create a play of light and shadow that enhances the monumentality of the tomb set against the backdrop of everyday life. Etching, with its capacity for detailed linework, highlights the rough texture of the ancient stones, bringing out a tactile quality that contrasts with the smooth areas of the paper. The way Morel has deployed etching is interesting to consider in relation to the pastoral scene he depicts. The labor of the shepherd and the decay of the tomb stand as visual metaphors for time's relentless march, hinting at the transience of human endeavor. The image subtly comments on the nature of labor, politics, and consumption, inviting us to reflect on the social values embedded within the artwork. Ultimately, this etching challenges the separation between art and craft, reminding us that even in the most 'artful' creations, the materiality and the making process carry significant cultural weight.