Gezicht op een kasteel op de hoge linkeroever aan een rivier 1838 - 1911

Jean Pierre François Lamorinière created this print of a castle on a riverbank. The image is rendered through etching, a process that brings us close to the artist's hand and eye. Notice the intricate lines, made by dragging a sharp needle across a copper plate. The plate would have been submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. This painstaking process, repeated as needed, allows for controlled depth and darkness. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper. The resulting print captures the velvety blacks and subtle greys of the scene. Lamorinière was working within a rapidly industrializing world. Even as new technologies emerged, he chose the delicate, time-consuming craft of etching. This choice imbued the work with a sense of intimacy and traditional skill. The print becomes more than just an image, it is a testament to the value of human craftsmanship in an age of mass production. Recognizing these elements of making helps us appreciate the full meaning of the artwork.