Bordurend meisje in de duinen 1847 - 1909

Edgar Alfred Baes made this etching of a girl in the dunes, with a plate measuring 188 by 122 mm. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, drawing the design, and then immersing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. Here, you can see the precision this technique allows. Baes uses fine lines to capture the girl's delicate features and the texture of her clothing. The subtle tonal gradations, achieved through varying the density and depth of the etched lines, give the scene a soft, atmospheric quality. The act of stitching or mending speaks volumes about the social context of the time, reflecting domesticity and labor. It elevates everyday practices, intertwining them with fine art. This invites us to consider the value of craft skills and the labor involved in creating both art and everyday objects.