Lantaarn 1876

This print of a lantern was made by Henri-Charles Guérard using etching, a printmaking technique where acid is used to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Notice how the etched lines create a sense of depth and texture, bringing the humble object to life. The varying line weights suggest the play of light on the lantern’s surface, its wooden frame and glass panels. Guérard’s work, like that of other etchers at the time, elevated subjects from everyday life to the realm of fine art. Consider the labor involved in producing this print. The artist had to carefully prepare the metal plate, apply the etching ground, and then incise the image with precision. This process connects Guérard’s print to a larger history of craft, as well as to the social context of late 19th-century printmaking. By focusing on materials and making, we gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's significance, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.