Dans in de herberg 1650 - 1726

This print, "Dans in de Herberg," was created anonymously, using etching, a process dependent on the division of labor. The original drawing was incised into a wax-covered metal plate; acid would have then bitten into the exposed metal, leaving behind fine lines. The plate would be inked and printed on paper to produce the final image. This was a commercial process, involving specialists at every stage. The dense, active scene shows working-class people enjoying themselves. The composition and the use of cross-hatching create a very rich surface, despite the limited palette of black and white. The artist paid close attention to the figures and the details of the interior scene. Understanding the printmaking process, and its social context, helps us appreciate the skill involved in creating this image. The beauty of "Dans in de Herberg" lies not only in its artistic composition but also in its skilled production and its representation of everyday life.