Læsende dame 1882

Carl Bloch created this etching, "Læsende dame," using metal plates and acid. The intricate details, like the patterns on the cushions and the texture of the rug, reveal the artist's mastery of the etching process. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawing the design with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. When immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the image is transferred to paper under high pressure, resulting in a print with slightly raised lines. Consider the labor involved. From preparing the plate to the final print, each stage demands precision. The controlled yet unpredictable nature of the acid creates a unique visual language, where the quality of the lines and the depth of the blacks depend on the artist's skill and the materials used. This print bridges the gap between fine art and craft, reminding us that making is thinking.