Herfst 1721 - 1771

This print, "Herfst" or "Autumn" in English, was made by Jeremias Wachsmuth. It's made using etching, a printmaking process that has a fascinating relationship to labor and class. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then draws through the ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the metal. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be. Once the etching is complete, the ground is removed, and the plate is inked. The ink settles into the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The etching process demanded a high level of skill and meticulousness. Each line had to be carefully considered. The final print thus bears witness to a confluence of technical skill, physical labor, and artistic vision. This elevates the status of printmaking from a mere reproductive technique to a highly skilled and valued art form.