Liggende herdershond 1864

Henry van Ingen created this etching of a reclining sheepdog in 1864. The process he used, etching, involves drawing an image into a prepared ground on a metal plate, then using acid to bite away the exposed lines. Ink is then pressed into these lines to create the print. The controlled lines of the etching technique allow for intricate details, visible in the texture of the dog's fur and the surrounding landscape. The materiality of the etching process, from the choice of metal plate to the strength of the acid, affects the final appearance, influencing the depth and darkness of the lines. It is a chemical process and an aesthetic one. Van Ingen's work offers a window into the lives of animals in the 19th century, and the relationship to the world of labor. By focusing on the dog, he invites us to consider the social and economic context of rural life. This reminds us that the meaning of art is often found not only in the image, but also in the materials, the making, and the world that surrounds it.