Hondekop naar beneden gericht 1820 - 1833

Jean Augustin Daiwaille created this print of a dog's head, ‘Hondekop naar beneden gericht,’ using the technique of etching. Daiwaille wasn't just any artist; he was also a skilled printmaker. The magic of etching lies in its process. Daiwaille would have covered a metal plate with a waxy, protective layer, then scratched an image into it with a needle. When acid was applied, it bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was then applied into these grooves, and the plate pressed onto paper, leaving behind the print we see today. Look closely at the hatching and the subtle gradations of tone. This wasn't a quick sketch. It demanded patience, precision, and a deep understanding of materials. The final image speaks to the labor involved, as well as Daiwaille’s mastery over the chemical processes. It reminds us that art isn't just about ideas, but also about the skilled execution and physical effort that brings those ideas to life.