Air 1731 - 1765

This is Air, an engraving made by Louis Felix de la Rue in the mid-18th century. The image, full of playful cupids, wouldn’t have been possible without metal and acid. The artist used these materials in concert to create this delicate, light effect on paper. Engraving is an exacting intaglio process. First, the artist coats a copper plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Then, using a tool called a burin, lines are incised into the ground, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The depth of the lines determines how much ink they hold. Finally, the plate is inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper. The real skill is in controlling the acid bath, and the pressure of the press, to achieve the desired tonal range. This print is a reminder that even seemingly effortless images are the result of skilled labor, and a deep understanding of materials.