Vrouw kijkt in een wieg 1855 - 1914

This print, "Woman looking into a crib" was made by Bernardus Johannes Blommers using etching, a printmaking technique involving acid and metal. Notice the density of the etched lines, creating deep shadows. The image emerges from the darkness, reflecting the realities of domestic life in 19th century Netherlands. Blommers captured a quiet, intimate moment, but also the starkness of working-class existence. The texture and tonality achieved through etching are crucial. The process demands careful labor, mirroring the work of the woman depicted. Etching, unlike painting, is inherently reproducible. This relates to broader issues of labor and class. Prints democratize art, making it accessible beyond elite circles. However, it also raises questions about authorship and value in a society undergoing industrialization. Ultimately, understanding the materials and methods behind this image invites us to reconsider the social context. Blommers’ print encourages us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the labor, both depicted and involved in the making.