Doornenkroning 1784

This print, Doornenkroning, was made by Christian von Mechel sometime before his death in 1817. Mechel was a skilled engraver, a master of a demanding, painstaking process. Look closely, and you'll see how the composition is built up of thousands of tiny etched lines. The image starts as a metal plate, which is then coated in a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist uses a tool to scratch away the coating, exposing the metal underneath. It’s then dipped in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure, leaving a reversed impression of the image. The real skill is in varying the depth and thickness of the lines to create tone and shadow, a complex task requiring planning, patience, and an understanding of the materials and techniques used. Although appearing to be simply a reproduction, this print represents an enormous amount of labor and skill, highlighting the often-overlooked craft involved in printmaking.