Geslachte os 1831 - 1886

This print, "Geslachte os," was made by Frans Molenaar in the late 19th century, using etching. An etcher works with tools of the printing trade, but also those of a metalworker: acid to bite the image into the plate, and burnishers to scrape back areas that are too dark. The materiality of etching lends itself well to Molenaar's subject. Look closely, and you will see the web of tiny engraved lines, clustered together to form a kind of velvety shadow, which defines the volume of the slaughtered ox. The artist has used the etching needle to describe a scene of labour. The eye is drawn to the labour-intensive nature of butchery and meat preparation. The print not only documents a scene, but also reveals the cultural and social significance of work in the 19th century. It's a reminder that understanding materials, making, and context is essential to fully grasping the artwork’s meaning and relevance.