Twee jongens bij een hek 1811 - 1867

Christiaan Wilhelmus Moorrees created this etching, entitled 'Two Boys at a Gate', employing a printmaking technique capable of capturing fine details. Here, line by line, the image emerges, delineating the figures of the two boys, the wooden fence, and the distant sailboats. The process begins with a metal plate, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. Using a sharp needle, Moorrees would have drawn through this coating, exposing the metal beneath. Dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and wiped clean, leaving ink only in these etched lines. Finally, it is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This method allowed Moorrees to create a reproducible image that can be distributed and consumed. The level of labor involved is considerable, requiring skill and patience. This contrasts with the scene depicted, a moment of leisure for these two young figures. This etching blurs the boundaries between art and craft, reminding us of the value inherent in skilled handwork.