An Allegory of Faith, etching on laid paper by Caspar Philips jacobsz. (1732-1789) after the work of Pieter Wagenaar II (1747-1808). With writing in Dutch: “Dus trof de tekenpen een aantal zinnebeelden, waar in ‘t Godsdienstig werk der Volken word vertoond: Verscheide paden die ‘t naspoorend harte streelden. Gelukkig Land! waar niets, dan waaren Eerdienst, woond!”. Translated: “So the drawing-pen struck a number of emblems, where in the Religious work of the Nations are shown: Several paths that caressed the pursuing heart. Happy Land! where naught but where Worship dwells!”

‘Etching’

Etching is considered the most important technique for producing prints by old masters. It is a very traditional process discovered by Daniel Hopfer (1470 – 1536) in Germany. Daniel Hopfer already used the etching technique on combat clothing before applying it to make a print. A strong acid or pickling agent is used to cut metal surfaces (usually copper, zinc or steel). The metal plate is covered with a waxy soil which is resistant to acid. The artist then scratches his or her design into the metal with different types of etching needles. After a bath of acid or pickling agent, the scratched metal undergoes a redox reaction, leaving the drawing in the wax on the plate. Ink is poured over the plate and wiped off again to fill in the scratched areas. By then pressing the plate in paper, an etching is created.