Summer Evening (Sommernacht) 1895

Edvard Munch created this etching, "Summer Evening," using a metal plate covered with an acid-resistant ground. With his etching needle, Munch scratched away lines and tones, exposing the metal. When dipped in acid, these areas were eaten away, leaving behind an image that could be inked and printed. The result is a soft, velvety texture, a testament to the delicate dance between the artist's hand and the corrosive power of acid. Munch’s engagement with printmaking was critical to his wider practice as it allowed the wide distribution of his art, effectively democratizing it beyond the elite circles of fine art. This method of reproduction aligns with broader social issues, such as labor and politics, particularly when considering the amount of work involved in the production process, and it blurs the boundaries between artistic originality and mechanical reproduction. The significance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of Munch’s artworks challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and it opens up a new perspective to art history.