Road to Cuernavaca, Mexico 

Cadwallader Washburn made this drypoint etching, "Road to Cuernavaca, Mexico," using a sharp needle to scratch directly into a copper plate. This material and process are at the core of the work’s appeal. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, they create a velvety texture, a tactile quality that printing excels at. Drypoint is known for its immediacy, capturing the artist's hand in a direct way. Look closely, and you’ll notice the lines are not uniform; some are bolder, indicating more pressure, while others are lighter, suggesting a delicate touch. The technique is demanding, requiring control and precision, yet it also allows for spontaneity. Washburn’s choice of drypoint, rather than other printmaking methods, emphasizes the artist's engagement with the material. This artwork transcends a mere image of a landscape, and becomes a record of the artist's labor and creative vision. It's through understanding these processes that we can fully appreciate its significance, moving beyond traditional notions of fine art.