Print 1773

This print of two cherubs holding a book was created by Captain William Baillie sometime in the 17th century. Baillie worked with a copper plate, using tools to create fine lines that would hold ink. Look closely and you can see the subtle variations in tone, achieved through a combination of etching and engraving techniques. The etched lines are created by drawing through a wax coating and then immersing the plate in acid, while engraved lines are cut directly into the metal with a burin. This combination of processes allowed the artist to achieve a delicate balance of light and shadow. The labor involved in creating such a print was considerable. Baillie would have needed not only artistic skill, but also a deep understanding of metallurgy and chemistry. Each print pulled from the plate would have been a testament to his technical mastery. Considering this work, it’s important to remember that prints like this were luxury goods. Appreciating the artistry in this print means understanding the social context of its creation.