Studieblad met twee hondenkoppen, poten van hond en kop van haas

This etching of dogs and a hare was made by Jan Dasveldt, probably in the late 18th or early 19th century. It's a study sheet, meaning it was likely made as practice for a larger composition. Dasveldt used the etching process, pulling lines into a metal plate with a sharp needle, then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves that hold ink. Wiping the plate clean and pressing it against paper transfers the image. This particular example feels immediate and straightforward, due to the precision of the etched line, which is in keeping with the need for precision in both craft and fine arts. The study sheet is an intimate glimpse into the artist’s process, and shows his knowledge and interest in the natural world. It is through this type of work that we can consider the skill and labor involved in printmaking, challenging its assumed place as either craft or art.