Hotel Borgne 1929

Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac created this etching, titled 'Hotel Borgne,' using a metal plate, acid, and ink. The linear quality and the hatching indicate that the artist used a technique where lines are either bitten into the plate with acid, or directly engraved. The material qualities of the metal, its resistance to the etching needle and acid, dictate the character of the lines – sharp, precise, and capable of capturing fine detail. The ink, pressed into these etched lines, then transferred to paper, adds depth and tone. There's an intimacy to the work. The etching process, though technical, allowed Segonzac to capture a fleeting moment, a candid portrayal. The marks carry the energy of his hand, the pressure and speed of his movements, almost like a sketch. By understanding the materials and processes behind this etching, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill, and the way in which these techniques shape the final image. It's not just about what is depicted, but how it was made, and the traditions of printmaking to which it belongs.