Gelovigen tijdens een kerkdienst 1841 - 1887

Léopold Flameng made this print of believers attending church. The texture comes entirely from the linear hatching and cross-hatching of the printing plate. Flameng was a master of etching, using acid to bite lines into metal. But in this print, the hand of the artist is not as apparent. What we see is a scene of social observation, capturing the nuances of a church service. While it's easy to overlook the process behind printmaking, consider the labor invested in each line, a skilled tradition parallel to the artistry found in painting or sculpture. The act of reproduction transforms the image from unique artwork to commodity, as prints like these became widely accessible, and a part of everyday life. By appreciating both the craft and the social context, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance, and move beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.