Rotsblokken bij Veules c. 1873

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created "Rotsblokken bij Veules," using etching – a printmaking technique dating back centuries. The appeal of etching lies in its capacity for detailed line work and tonal variation. The etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. They then draw their image, here a coastal view, through the ground, exposing the metal. The plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The ground is removed, ink is applied, and then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The artist is completely reliant on the capabilities of the material, such as the strength of the acid and the pressure of the printing press. The resulting print bears the character of these processes. The social context lies in its reproducibility; prints make art accessible to a wider audience. Appreciating the labor and materials involved deepens our understanding of this seemingly simple image.