Golden Eagle 1821 - 1834

Prideaux John Selby made this Golden Eagle print using etching and aquatint. These processes involve coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, then drawing through it to expose the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites away the exposed lines. Aquatint, used for tonal areas, involves a porous ground, creating a granulated effect when etched. Ink is applied to the etched plate, then wiped away, leaving ink in the recesses. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see how Selby used these techniques to capture the eagle's majestic plumage and powerful form, as well as the helpless beavers. The print represents a fascinating intersection of art, science, and the burgeoning field of ornithology in the 19th century, with an attention to the natural world as a theater of predation. The print represents a significant amount of labor, from the skilled artistry of Selby himself to the work of the printer, and the paper maker. Appreciating this print involves recognizing not only its aesthetic qualities but also the broader context of its creation and consumption.