Moeder met twee kinderen 1845

Carel Frederik Curtenius Bentinck created this print, "Mother with Two Children," using the technique of steel engraving. Steel engraving, popular in the 19th century, was prized for its capacity to reproduce fine detail and large editions. The process involved a highly skilled engraver meticulously incising an image into a polished steel plate. The hardness of steel allowed for intricate designs and a longer lifespan of the plate, permitting more prints to be made without significant wear. Consider the labor involved: from the production of the steel plate itself to the artistry of the engraver, each print represents a significant investment of time and expertise. The contrast with the apparent ease of mass production made possible by this technique is striking. Ultimately, understanding the material and process behind this print invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, labor, and the burgeoning industrial age. It challenges the notion of the artwork as solely the product of individual genius.