Man en hond zittend bij een tafel 1892 - 1929

Geert Grauss made this print, "Man en hond zittend bij een tafel," using etching, a printmaking technique with a long history. The image is created by drawing into a waxy ground on a metal plate, then submerging the plate in acid. This eats away the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Pressed onto paper, it transfers the image in reverse. Here, the etched lines create a soft, almost hazy atmosphere. Look at how the textures, from the man’s clothing to the dog’s fur, are described with such nuanced detail, achieved through countless tiny strokes. The skill in controlling the acid bath and inking the plate requires a mastery. By attending to this process, we recognize not just the artistic vision, but also the labor and skill involved in bringing this image to life. This challenges the traditional hierarchy that often separates fine art from craft, inviting us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the making process itself.