Drie riviergezichten 1851 - 1924

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande made this print titled 'Three River Views'. Here, the artist used the printmaking technique of etching to create this artwork, leaving delicate, precise marks on the paper's surface. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, drawing into this coating with a sharp needle to expose the metal, then immersing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This intaglio print captures the light and atmosphere of the scene, with subtle tonal variations achieved through the manipulation of the etching process. The social context is interesting here, the labor involved in the printmaking, and the implied industrial presence along the riverbanks. The choice of subject matter reflects a keen interest in the material world and the built environment, challenging our understanding of art and craftsmanship.