Rustende herders 1769

Jean Baptist Leprince made this pastoral scene using etching and aquatint, a printmaking process that simulates the effect of watercolor washes. Look closely, and you’ll notice the velvety texture, achieved by sprinkling powdered resin onto the etching plate before it’s bitten by acid. The amount of work involved in this print is considerable. The landscape is peaceful, but the etching is not. It is a very indirect way of image-making. The artist makes their statement, technically speaking, three times over. Leprince was celebrated for his innovative approach to printmaking, pushing the boundaries of traditional techniques. In this artwork, the combination of etching and aquatint is used to create a range of tones and textures. These bring the resting sheperds to life. Leprince elevates the status of printmaking as a fine art. He does this by emphasizing the artistic skill and creative expression involved in the printmaking process, inviting viewers to appreciate the technical mastery and aesthetic qualities of this often-overlooked medium.