Zingende mannen 1680 - 1684

J. Waterloos created this print of singing men using etching. The image is constructed by drawing lines on a wax-coated metal plate, which is then immersed in acid. This eats away at the exposed metal, allowing it to hold ink. The plate is then printed in the usual way. The real subject here is the process itself. Look closely, and you'll see the lines are not just descriptive, but are of variable width and depth – a direct result of the etching process. This gives the composition a rawness, almost as if we're looking directly at the mechanics of its making. What is also of interest is the labor, politics, and consumption implied in the image. The men depicted, possibly common laborers, find a moment of respite and leisure. As such, this print offers a window into the working class, and how the processes and modes of production have imbued the artwork with cultural significance. Remember, considering the materials and making involved can reveal unexpected layers of meaning, challenging our preconceptions about art.