Kalundborg Kirke 1843

Andreas Flinch made this print of Kalundborg Kirke sometime in the 19th century, using etching, a printmaking process with a long and fascinating history. The image is made by coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and then using a needle to scratch an image into that coating. The plate is then dipped in acid, which bites away the exposed metal, leaving behind incised lines. This is essentially an industrial process, adapted to artistic ends. These lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure. Look closely, and you can see the effects of this intense process, how it influences the artwork’s appearance. We can also appreciate that the making of prints like this involves a division of labor, with some people making the image and others operating the press. By understanding these processes and their social context, we can fully appreciate the rich history of this beautiful print.