Jeanette 1899

Maurice Sterne created this print, titled "Jeanette," using etching. The etching process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then draws into the ground with a pointed tool, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The plate is inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This indirect method, involving layering and chemical intervention, grants a unique textural depth. The lines appear soft, almost velvety, and the subtle gradations of tone evoke a sense of quiet introspection. The printmaking process is inherently collaborative, relying on the skills of both the artist and the printer. By engaging with this historical technique, Sterne positions himself within a lineage of makers, and within a wider system of production and consumption. Appreciating the material qualities and the labor involved in its creation allows for a deeper engagement with the artwork's content.