Verkoper van kruidendrank 1733 - 1792

This print, "Verkoper van kruidendrank" is by Jean Baptiste Guélard. It uses the intaglio printmaking technique of etching, which is a chemical process involving acid, to create fine, detailed lines. The etching process allowed Guélard to create the image of an anthropomorphic monkey selling herbal drinks, along with a canine companion and another monkey carrying wares on its back. The process emphasizes the hierarchical division of labor between the monkeys. The crisp lines of the etching highlight the textures of fur and the intricacies of clothing, elevating what might otherwise be dismissed as mere craft. Etching has a rich history, blending technical skill with artistic expression, and challenging traditional notions of art by bringing together craft and social commentary. In this print the artist subtly comments on labor, class, and consumption. By recognizing the artistry in processes like etching, we expand our understanding of artistic expression, blurring the lines between "high art" and craft.