Twee staande mannen in gesprek 1778 - 1838

This print, ‘Two Standing Men Conversing,’ was made by Anthonie van den Bos, using the process of etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching into that coating with a stylus to expose the metal underneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be when printed. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. What's interesting here is the efficiency of the medium. The etching process allowed for relatively quick reproduction, making images like this accessible to a wider audience. In the absence of color, lines deliver the form, texture and mood, offering us a glimpse into the lives and times of ordinary people. It collapses the distinction between fine art and accessible visual communication.