Verliefde soldaat 1736 - 1762

This print, "Verliefde soldaat", was produced anonymously using etching, a printmaking technique with a rich social history. The process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then drawing through this layer to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the image. Look closely, and you can see how the crispness of the etched lines lends itself to detailed narrative scenes such as this, lending itself to mass production. Etchings like this made art accessible to a wider audience, beyond the wealthy elite who could afford paintings, and were often used for satirical or political commentary, reflecting social issues of the time. This etching, a seemingly lighthearted subject, participates in this wider world of accessible art.