Romantic Landscape c. 1890

David Young Cameron created this "Romantic Landscape" using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate. Look closely, and you’ll see the intricate network of lines that define the scene. An etching like this begins with a polished metal plate, often copper or zinc. The artist covers the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Then, using a sharp needle, the artist scratches away the ground, exposing the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which etches the lines into the metal where the ground has been removed. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be when printed. Once the etching is complete, the plate is inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Dampened paper is then laid on the plate, and both are run through a printing press under high pressure, transferring the ink from the plate to the paper. The result is an image with a distinctive, velvety texture and rich tonal range. Understanding this process gives us a deeper appreciation for the labor and skill involved, challenging any distinction between mere reproduction and high art.