Standbeeld van koning Leopold I

About this artwork

height 285 mm x width 215 mm

Art Historical Context

**Standbeeld van Koning Leopold I** *Erin Corr, 1838, etching, 285 × 215 mm* This delicate etching captures the statue of King Leopold I,'s first monarch, who ascended the throne in 1831 the nation's hard-won independence from the Netherlands. Created just seven years later, the print reflects the early fervor of Belgian national identity, commemorating Leopold as a symbol stability and unity during a turbulent era. Etchings like this were vital in the 19th century, allowing affordable reproduction and wide dissemination of monumental public art, bringing royal imagery to homes and workshops across the young kingdom. Artist Erin Corr employs the intricate technique of etching, where acid bites into a metal plate to create fine, expressive lines that convey texture and form with remarkable precision. The modest dimensions—285 mm high by 215 mm wide—suggest it was designed for intimate viewing, perhaps in portfolios or as a collectible souvenir. This work highlights the intersection of printmaking and patriotism, preserving a moment when sculptures of Leopold dotted Belgian cities, fostering civic pride. Today, it offers a window into 1830s Europe, where art served political ends, blending technical mastery with cultural reverence for a king who shaped modern Belgium. A testament to etching's enduring legacy in historical documentation. (198 words)

About the Artist

Erin Corr · 1803–1862

Erin Corr (1803–1862) was an Irish engraver of exceptional skill and dedication, born in Brussels of Irish descent on an unknown date in 1803 and dying on August 10, 1862. His career exemplified the internationalism of 19th-century European art, as he trained in Belgium and France before establishing himself as a professor at the Antwerp Academy, where he influenced the next generation of engraver...