Newborn 1948

Jacob Kainen made this print called "Newborn" using etching; the dense network of fine lines almost feels like a drawing. I love how printmaking can capture these intimate everyday scenes with such tenderness. It makes me think about the artist in his studio, carefully layering marks on the plate, building up the image through trial and error. The texture created by the etching process gives the image a tactile quality, like you could reach out and feel the weight of the mother holding her child. The cross-hatching in the background is so interesting – it creates this sort of quiet energy around the figures, drawing you into the scene. There's a connection between Kainen's work and other artists who explore the human condition, like Kathe Kollwitz. They're all part of this ongoing conversation about what it means to be human, to experience love, loss, and everything in between. For me, this print celebrates the start of life, the precious bond between mother and child, and the beauty of human connection.