Rotslandschap before 1903

Hans Watzek made this photogravure, Rotslandschap, using a labor-intensive printmaking process that combines photography and etching. To make the image, Watzek began with a photographic negative, which he then transferred to a copper plate coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. Once exposed to ultraviolet light, the plate was etched in an acid bath, creating recessed areas corresponding to the image's dark tones. The deepest recesses held the most ink, resulting in rich, velvety shadows. The photogravure process allowed Watzek to achieve a wide range of tonal variations and subtle details, capturing the rugged texture of the rock formation. The print's tactile quality and depth of field invite viewers to explore the natural landscape in a new way. It’s a world away from the slick, mass-produced imagery that would soon come to define the twentieth century. This laborious method underscores the commitment of the artist to a handcrafted approach, blurring the boundaries between photography, printmaking, and fine art.