Twee paarden 1882

Léon Brunin made this small etching of two horses sometime in the early 20th century. The controlled deployment of parallel lines speaks to the labor-intensive nature of the etching process. The artist would have used a sharp needle to draw into a waxy ground applied to a metal plate, which would then be immersed in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The resulting print is a study in contrasts. Brunin masterfully uses the etching technique to capture the soft texture and weight of the horses' coats, as well as the play of light and shadow on their bodies. The delicacy of the etched line allows for a high level of detail, from the musculature of the horses to the blades of grass at their feet. The image reflects the social context of the time, when horses were still a common sight in both rural and urban environments, valued for their labor. This print elevates this everyday subject through the skilled application of a fine art technique. It reminds us that even the most traditional artistic processes are rooted in the world around us, and that the materials and methods used to create art are never neutral.