Inferno Series - E 1961

This is 'Inferno Series - E' by Rico Lebrun, made using etching techniques. It’s an intaglio printmaking process, which means the image is incised into a metal plate using acid. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, dampened paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The process allows for highly detailed work, as you can see in the figures, and the depth of tone achieved by the varying pressure applied during printing. The stark contrast between light and shadow creates a dramatic effect, amplifying the emotional intensity of the scene. The linear quality of the etching lends itself well to capturing movement and texture. The physical act of etching, with its potential for both precision and accident, mirrors the themes of torment and suffering depicted in the Inferno series. By focusing on process, we can appreciate how the medium itself contributes to the work's overall impact.