The Church by the Water 1625 - 1677

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, "The Church by the Water," using etching, a printmaking technique with a long history. The process starts with a metal plate, typically copper, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this coating, exposing the metal. The plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The depth of these grooves determines how much ink they hold, and therefore how dark they appear when printed. Hollar masterfully uses etching to create a highly detailed landscape. The lines are fine and dense, capturing the textures of the buildings, water, and foliage. The image is a testament to Hollar's skill as a draughtsman and his mastery of the etching process. While etching has often been considered a 'fine art' technique, it shares many characteristics with more commercial forms of printmaking. Understanding the labor and skill involved in creating this print allows us to appreciate its full value, challenging any rigid distinctions between art and craft.