Tafel met keukengerei before 1909

W.F. Barber made this etching of a kitchen scene using a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The artist would have applied an acid-resistant ground, scratched an image into it, and then bathed the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating lines that hold ink. Looking closely, you can see the hatched and cross-hatched lines that Barber used to build up tone and shadow. This time-consuming process allowed the artist to capture the texture of everyday objects. Utilitarian objects, like the bowls, pots, and the roughly-hewn wooden table are the main focus, elevated to a subject worthy of artistic attention. The printmaking process itself mirrors the labor-intensive nature of domestic work, reminding us of the value and effort embedded in the everyday. This piece challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, suggesting the importance of recognizing the artistry in the mundane aspects of life.