2/6

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 1967

Art Historical Context

**2/6 by Joannes Bemme (1802)** This delicate etching, titled *2/6*, is the second installment in a series of six prints created by Dutch artist Joannes Bemme in1802. Measuring just 185 mm high by 145 mm wide, it exemplifies the intimate scale typical of fine printmaking from the early 19th century.me (1773–1824), a skilled engraver based in Amsterdam, was renowned for his reproductive etchings that captured the elegance of portraits and genre scenes, often drawing inspiration from earlier Dutch masters. Produced during a period when the Netherlands navigated Napoleonic influences, such works preserved artistic traditions amid political change. Etching, Bemme's chosen medium, involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching lines through it, and immersing it in acid to etch the design. This technique allowed for fluid, expressive lines and subtle tonal variations, making etchings prized for their affordability compared to paintings while rivaling their detail. As plate 2/6, it invites viewers to collect the full set, a common practice that democratized art ownership. The print bears the collector's mark Lugt 1967 (Frits Lugt's catalog), signaling its provenance from a distinguished European collection—likely tied to institutions like the Rijksmuseum. This mark underscores its enduring value, offering modern visitors a tangible link to 19th-century connoisseurship and the vibrant world of Dutch graphic arts.