Path in Parco delle Cascine (Un viale interno delle Cascine) c. late 19th century

Giovanni Fattori made this etching, "Path in Parco delle Cascine," using metal, acid, and paper. Etching is an indirect process. The artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. They then draw into this ground, exposing the metal. When the plate is bathed in acid, the drawn lines are eaten away, creating an image in the metal. Ink is then applied and the plate is printed, transferring the image to paper. This method allowed Fattori to capture the stark winter scene with incredible detail. The bare trees are rendered with a network of fine lines, and the shadows on the path are deep and textured. The etching process, with its reliance on chemistry and mechanics, can seem far removed from the natural world. Yet Fattori uses it here to create a powerful and immediate sense of place. By emphasizing the inherent qualities of his materials and processes, Fattori elevates printmaking, traditionally considered a craft, to the level of fine art. He challenges us to consider the value of skilled labor and the cultural significance embedded in every stage of the making process.