Vier zittende mannen in gesprek Possibly 1861 - 1867

Louis Charles Hora Siccama made this etching, titled 'Vier zittende mannen in gesprek', which translates to 'Four Seated Men in Conversation' in 1861. This artwork is made using etching, a printmaking process which relies on the corrosive effect of acid to create an image in metal. The nature of the etching technique lends itself particularly well to understated scenes like this one. The artist would have covered a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratched an image into it with a needle, exposing the metal. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This process can be repeated several times, for different effects. Finally, the plate is inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Here, the controlled line work captures a seemingly candid moment. The print itself is an object of labour, reflecting the growing visibility of the middle class in the 19th century. The printmaking tradition bridges the gap between fine art and craft, offering unique insights into the era's social dynamics.