Landschap met kerktoren 1798 - 1837

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar created this tiny landscape with a church tower sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century, using the printmaking technique of etching. In etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper the lines become. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink to create the print. Bagelaar likely used a variety of tools to create this image, from etching needles to burnishers. The image depicts a serene landscape, complete with trees, figures, and a church in the distance. The level of detail in such a small format is impressive, and speaks to the skill and labor involved in the etching process. By focusing on the materials and making of this print, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and artistry of Bagelaar, and challenge the traditional divide between fine art and craft.