Monk Playing the Organ in Church (Moine jouant de l'orgue a l'eglise) 

Alphonse Legros created this print, 'Monk Playing the Organ in Church,' using etching, a process demanding precise skill. Legros incised his composition into a metal plate with a sharp needle, then bathed it in acid. The acid bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves that would hold ink. This labor-intensive process allowed for detailed, tonal variation, seen in the monk's robes and the shadowed faces of the congregation. The dense cross-hatching gives the print its somber atmosphere, emphasizing the weight of the religious setting. This technique, while traditional, required immense patience, highlighting the artist's dedication. Legros' choice of printmaking underscores its accessibility, making art available beyond elite circles. By emphasizing process and making, we recognize the layers of meaning embedded in every line, blurring the boundaries between fine art and craft.