Duiven in een tuin 1830 - 1852

Adolphe Mouilleron made this print, "Duiven in een tuin", using a process called etching. The magic of etching lies in its indirect approach. The artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then draws through it with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. Immersing the plate in acid bites away at these exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the acid bath, the deeper and darker the lines will be. This way of making allows for fine detail and subtle tonal gradations, perfect for capturing the textures of leaves, the play of light through foliage, and the soft plumage of the doves. This print is not just an image, but the result of skilled labor, time, and chemical reactions – a testament to the rich intersection of art, craft, and industrial processes. Recognizing this helps us to appreciate the work, challenging any divide between fine art and the crafts.