Herfst 1686 - 1724

This print, titled Herfst, or Autumn, was made anonymously, using the process of etching. Here, a metal plate would have been coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called the ‘ground’ through which the design was then scratched, exposing the metal. By immersing the plate in acid, the image is then eaten into the metal, leaving behind an impression after the ground is removed. This could then be inked and printed. Look closely, and you'll see the incredible intricacy of the line work. The whole composition bursts with symbolic imagery. Vines laden with grapes – a fruit harvested in Autumn – intertwine with classical figures that are possibly allegories of the season. Notice the border's ornamentation, each element meticulously rendered. The creation of prints like these involved the skilled labor of artisans, their expertise essential to realize the elaborate designs. By understanding the labor and materials, we appreciate the artistry of the print and the cultural values it represents.