Smedjen 1616 - 1676

"Smedjen," was made by Thomas Wijck, using etching, a printmaking technique dating back to the 16th century. The artwork presents a scene inside what seems to be a blacksmith's workshop. The etching process involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The lines you see here were once grooves bitten into the metal by acid, each varying in depth and thickness to create light and shadow. This meticulous process allowed Wijck to capture the rough textures of the stone walls and the gritty atmosphere of the smithy. Notice the figures within the scene, toiling away at their labor. Wijck’s choice of subject matter reflects the growing interest in depicting everyday life and labor. The print hints at broader questions about labor and the lives of ordinary workers, often overlooked in traditional art. It underscores the inherent value and dignity in all forms of making.