Ostriches in the Desert 1872

François-Nicolas Auguste Feyen-Perrin created this etching, "Ostriches in the Desert," using metal plate and etching techniques. The image is made up of finely etched lines that create a complex pattern of light and shadow. The lines give the desert landscape a sense of depth, while the use of hatching and cross-hatching creates texture and volume in the bodies of the ostriches. Etching allowed for a level of detail that would be difficult to achieve through other methods. The lines have a crispness, a graphic quality that’s characteristic of the printmaking process. The production of etchings in the 19th century was a specialized craft, and this image reflects a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved. Thinking about the making helps us appreciate the skill and labor that went into creating this artwork. It invites us to consider printmaking as a vital part of visual culture, not separate from painting or sculpture, but deeply connected.