Zittende figuren langs een bomenrij en huizen 1688 - 1690

This print was made by Jan Vincentsz van der Vinne around the turn of the 18th century, using etching, a form of printmaking, and is titled "Seated figures along a row of trees and houses." The etching technique involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and then drawing an image into that layer, exposing the metal. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and the image. Looking closely, you can see the fine, precise lines van der Vinne created, capturing the details of the figures, trees, and buildings. It’s a labor-intensive process, demanding skill and patience, but it allowed for the reproduction of images on a relatively large scale, and for a growing middle class. The print becomes both a detailed work of art, and a commodity that reflects the society of the time.