Over revlen 1899

Carl Locher made “Over revlen” using etching techniques, involving the use of acid to corrode lines into a metal plate, likely copper or zinc. The plate would have been meticulously prepared, covered with a waxy ground, and then scratched with a needle to expose the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. High pressure forces the paper into the inked grooves, transferring the image onto the paper. The result is a print with fine, crisp lines and subtle tonal variations, giving it a handcrafted feel. Locher's mastery of etching transforms a mundane scene into an atmospheric portrayal of maritime life, inviting us to consider the work and skill involved in both art and seafaring labor. This kind of printmaking was crucial in disseminating images and ideas to a wider audience, tying artistic skill to a growing market of consumers. With its blend of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision, the image challenges the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.