Rearing Horse, Near a Stable, plate one from Series of Horses 1651

This print, "Rearing Horse, Near a Stable," was made by Dirck Stoop using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 17th century. An etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratches an image into it with a needle. When the plate is bathed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, leaving an image in the metal that can be inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see how Stoop has used this process to capture a scene of horsemanship. The etched lines create depth and texture, describing the rearing horse, the figures, and the rough stable setting. Each line on the print results from a physical action, a trace of labor. The final image bears witness to the gestures and actions that have resulted in its existence. Stoop's choice of etching, rather than painting, speaks to a shift in artistic production. The print could be reproduced and distributed widely, making art more accessible, and reflecting the changing social and economic landscape of the time. Appreciating this artwork involves understanding the material processes and social context that shaped its creation.