Ganzen bij het water 1887

This etching of geese by Elias Stark was made without a specific date, using a traditional printmaking process on paper. The process involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. Ink is applied and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the image. The texture and tonal range of the artwork are directly influenced by this process, creating a soft, detailed image. This contrasts with the rapid pace of industrialization and the rise of mass production, offering a hand-crafted aesthetic. The labour-intensive method connects it to a tradition of skilled artistry, far removed from the social issues of mass production. In understanding this artwork, we see how material and making are crucial, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.