Boerderij aan het water in Voorburg 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout created this etching, called 'Farm by the water in Voorburg', using metal and acid. The image shows a humble dwelling at water's edge. The artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawn this composition through it with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was then applied into these grooves and the surface wiped clean, before the plate was pressed onto paper. The result is a subtle play of tones, with a delicate, almost shimmering quality. The technique would have required significant expertise and a delicate touch, reflecting a conscious choice to embrace the graphic arts and an aesthetic of understatement. This printmaking process allowed for the wide distribution of images, making art accessible to a broader public. Ultimately, 'Farm by the water in Voorburg' illustrates the social and cultural significance of accessible art.