The New Moon c. 1884

Benjamin Lander made this etching, “The New Moon,” by incising an image into a metal plate, inking the surface, and running it through a press. The final image is a delicate rendering of a landscape scene. The etcher's art lies in controlling the depth and density of the etched lines. These lines hold the ink, creating the visual texture and tone. Here, Lander skillfully manipulates the etching process to evoke a sense of stillness and quietude. Look at the reflections in the water, the subtle gradations of light and shadow, all achieved through the precise control of the etching needle and the press. While we might think of etching as a "fine art" process, it has close ties to industrial printmaking. The same techniques used to create subtle works of art like this one were also deployed for mass-produced images in books, newspapers, and advertisements. Appreciating the technical skill involved helps us see beyond traditional art boundaries, and understand the relationship between art, labor, and commerce in Lander's time.