Stilleven met stoel en vaas 1872 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten created this still life featuring a chair and a vase using etching. This intaglio printmaking technique involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which holds the ink and transfers the design to paper. The vase stands out with its textured form, likely achieved through repeated biting, or stages of acid application. The chair and cloth show the effects of a lighter touch, a careful tonal development. As a print, this work readily lends itself to reproduction. Van Houten was working in an era when printmaking was becoming more accessible. The rise of capitalism meant that more artists were looking to printmaking as a means of distributing their work. The skilled labor involved in creating this piece, from the artist's design to the printer's execution, highlights the intersection of artistry and craft. Considering materials and processes broadens our understanding of the artwork's meaning, going beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.