Rosenfeld en zijn zeven vrouwen 1788

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this print using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the controlled corrosion of metal. Look closely at the image, and you will see it's composed of thousands of tiny lines. These were etched into a metal plate with acid, then inked and pressed onto paper. The fineness of the lines suggests Chodowiecki’s mastery of the technique. The process allowed for the easy reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wider audience than unique paintings. Prints like this one were often used for book illustrations, and could be produced relatively quickly. Its subject is a satirical comment on domestic life. The print doesn’t just depict a scene; it embodies a method of production linked to the rise of the printing press and the spread of information. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making helps us appreciate the artwork as both an image and a product of its time.