Zeezicht 1869

Maxime Lalanne created this print, Zeezicht, using etching, a printmaking technique that gained popularity in the 19th century. The scene is rendered through incised lines, achieved by drawing through a wax coating on a metal plate, which is then submerged in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines, and then pressed onto paper to create the final image. Lalanne's etching presents a coastal view, marked by delicate lines that capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow. The texture of the landscape, from the rocky cliffs to the flat beach, is evoked through the density and direction of the etched lines. The marks and lines are incredibly controlled, yet still convey a sense of the artist's hand. By employing a meticulous, yet repeatable process, Lalanne democratized art, making picturesque scenes accessible beyond painting.