Waterval bij Morgenbach nabij Lorch 1852 - 1906

Emilie Rolin-Jacquemijns created this tranquil etching of a waterfall near Lorch. The process of etching is interesting: a metal plate is coated with wax, and the artist draws through this layer to expose the metal, which is then bitten by acid. The fine lines etched into the metal create an image of delicate light and shade, building up the scene of rushing water, foliage and distant mountains. The amount of work involved in the production process is remarkable; each line meticulously placed to capture the scene's essence. The matrix could be inked and reprinted many times. The resulting print allows for a democratized appreciation of landscape, made more widely available than a unique painting. Rolin-Jacquemijns's etching invites us to consider the social context of art and the value of skilled craftsmanship in making art accessible to a broader audience.