Landschap met twee wandelaars 1862 - 1901

Jules Guiette created this etching, *Landschap met twee wandelaars*, using a metal plate and acid. It’s a traditional artistic process, yet the result feels grounded in everyday experience. The material qualities of the etching process lend themselves to the image's subtle, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Notice how the fine lines create a sense of texture in the landscape, from the grassy foreground to the distant trees. The controlled corrosion by acid on the plate captures the delicate nuances of light and shadow. This is a labor-intensive technique, requiring skill and patience to achieve the desired effect. The social significance lies in its portrayal of leisure. The two figures suggest a society with the means to engage in activities like walking for pleasure. This connects to broader issues of class and labor, reflecting a shift towards a society where leisure time was becoming more accessible. The value we place on such a print, as distinct from more ‘commercial’ printmaking, is revealing. It prompts us to consider the social conditions in which these different forms of making are categorized.