Inverary Pier, Loch Fyne, Morning (Liber Studiorum, part VII, plate 35) 1811

This print by J.M.W. Turner, titled "Inverary Pier, Loch Fyne, Morning," is part of his "Liber Studiorum" series and was made using etching and mezzotint. These processes are crucial to the artwork's effect. Etching involves using acid to bite lines into a metal plate, while mezzotint is a method of creating tone by roughening the plate evenly, then smoothing areas to produce lighter shades. Look closely and you will see how these combined techniques allow for subtle gradations of light and shadow, evoking the hazy atmosphere of a Scottish morning. Turner was deeply involved in the making of these prints. The amount of labor required was considerable, indicative of the intense cultural value placed on skilled handwork at the time. Considering the materials, the making, and the cultural context enables us to look beyond the image to understand the artistry of Turner's practice.