Einde van het canaval 1820

This is Carl Gustaf Hjalmar Mörner's "End of Carnival," an etching on paper. The choice of etching lends itself particularly well to Mörner's subject matter. It is a process capable of capturing a precise linear quality, ideal for portraying the intricate details of a lively carnival scene. The artist would have meticulously drawn into a wax-coated metal plate, which was then submerged in acid. The acid bites into the metal, creating the lines that hold ink. The stark contrast between the ink and the paper heightens the sense of drama. Consider the labor involved. Each print requires careful inking and pressing, a craft process demanding precision. The nature of etching would have allowed for the creation of multiple images. This reflects the growing consumer culture of the early 19th century. Ultimately, Mörner's choice of etching speaks volumes about his artistic intent, offering us insights into both the physical act of creation and the broader context in which it was made.