Wandelend jong paar before 1600

This print, "Wandelend jong paar," or "Walking Young Couple," was made by Gillis van Breen, likely in the early 17th century. The process here is key: it’s an etching, meaning that van Breen painstakingly drew through a waxy ground on a metal plate. Acid then bit into the exposed metal, leaving behind incised lines. These lines are crucial to the image. The figures emerge through a dense accumulation of marks, a veritable thicket of labor. Look at the way van Breen uses short, quick strokes to define the folds of the couple's garments, and longer, more deliberate lines to capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The choice of etching, rather than other printmaking methods, speaks to a broader social context. Etching was favored by artists who sought a more direct, expressive approach. There’s a sense of immediacy here, a feeling that we’re witnessing a fleeting moment captured in time. This was a technique that allowed for relatively quick production, in comparison to other methods, and helped to feed a growing market for imagery. By considering the material qualities of this print, and the labor involved in its making, we can move beyond simply admiring its aesthetic beauty, and gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance.