Drie geitenkoppen 1850 - 1860

Jacobus Cornelis Gaal created this print, "Three Goat Heads," using etching, a printmaking process that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate, leaving behind an image. The image is then transferred to paper. Etching is particularly interesting, because it allows for a wide range of tonality, as we can see in the varying shades of the goats’ fur, due to the way acid is applied. The etched line itself has a particular character—lively, almost scratchy, with a tremendous capacity for detail. It's not surprising that printmaking flourished at a time of emerging capitalism. The process involves various steps and requires skilled labor to create the printing plates and run the presses. In "Three Goat Heads," we can see how the artist's craftsmanship intersects with broader social issues of labor and consumption, challenging our traditional ideas about art.