Augustus 1633 - 1643

Denis Boutemie made this etching, titled ‘Augustus,’ using a metal plate, acid, and ink. The etcher's line is the star here. See how the image appears to emerge from a network of carefully incised marks. The artist would have covered the plate with a waxy ground, then drawn into it with a sharp needle. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed metal. After removing the ground, ink was applied and the plate was wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, it was pressed onto paper. The material qualities of the metal plate enable the precise lines and intricate detail of this fantastic creature. The scale of production is important here. Etchings like this could be produced in multiples, allowing for the wider circulation of images. By considering the materials and processes involved, we appreciate the skilled labor and artistry required to create this captivating print, challenging any strict separation between art and craft.