Katwijk 1888

Floris Verster made this print of Katwijk using etching, a process deeply entwined with both skill and chance. The metal plate itself is key. Its surface, once smooth and reflective, has been transformed through labor. First, a waxy ground was applied, then scratched away to expose the metal beneath. When the plate was immersed in acid, it bit into these lines, creating grooves. The longer the bath, the deeper the marks, influencing the final image's tonality. After inking the plate, Verster would have wiped away the excess, leaving ink only in the etched lines. The plate was then pressed onto paper, transferring the image in reverse. The varying depth and density of the lines suggest a focused, yet intuitive approach. The hazy, almost ghostly quality of the print speaks to the way etching can capture atmosphere. Ultimately, understanding the labor, tools, and techniques transforms our appreciation, revealing the subtle beauty born from a collaboration between artist, material, and process.