Twee mannen in een lage ruimte rondom een kookpot 1892

This print by Charles Mertens, shows two men in a cramped space around a cooking pot. It’s an etching, a printmaking process where acid is used to bite into a metal plate, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The material qualities of this print are defined by the etched line, which allowed Mertens to build up tone and texture, capturing the rough interior and the figures within. The process involves skilled handwork, from preparing the plate, drawing the image with a needle-like tool, and carefully controlling the acid bath, to the labor of inking and printing. The social context of this artwork lies in its depiction of everyday life. The image provides a glimpse into a humble interior, the labor involved in food preparation, and the communal aspect of sharing a meal. By focusing on these ordinary moments, Mertens elevates the lives of working-class people, making them visible within the art world. Ultimately, this etching reminds us that art can be found not only in grand subjects, but also in the intimate details of daily existence, and that the skill of the artist lies in their ability to capture and celebrate these moments.