Krabvissers bij nacht 1660 - 1666

"Krabvissers bij nacht," or "Crab Fishers at Night," was etched by Dancker Danckerts in the mid-17th century, using a technique that allowed for detailed tonal variation. The print’s overall tonality arises from the combined effect of thousands of tiny etched lines. The density of those lines is a visual decision, but also arises from a deep engagement with the material properties of the metal plate. The image's depth, from the riders on horseback to the men wading with torches, only emerges through a long, laborious process. The act of etching, traditionally considered a reproductive technique, is here elevated. Consider, too, the social dimensions of printmaking. Danckerts was part of a family of engravers and print publishers; their livelihood depended on their technical skill, and the appeal of the images they produced. The print illustrates not only a scene of labor but also represents labor in its making, challenging any strict hierarchy between artistic invention and craft execution.