Zicht op Dordrecht c. 1860s - 1870s

Marie Duclos-Cahon created this print, "Zicht op Dordrecht," using the technique of etching. In etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. Then, the plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. By carefully controlling this process, the artist creates grooves that will hold ink. The deeper the bite, the darker the line when printed. Look closely, and you'll notice how the varying line weights give depth and texture to the scene, from the billowing clouds to the rippling water. The fine, precise lines speak to the artist's skill and the labor-intensive nature of the etching process. Duclos-Cahon has not only captured a scene but also a sense of place and time through a process deeply rooted in craft and industry, reminding us that art is always tied to its means of production.