La Vigne 1929 - 1932

Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac created this print, "La Vigne," using etching. It’s a wonderfully direct process. The artist protects a metal plate with a waxy coating, then scratches an image into it with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. This plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, incising the image. The plate is then inked, and wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines, before being pressed onto paper. The character of etching is determined by the resistance of the metal, the strength of the acid, and the artist’s hand. It is a labor-intensive process; Segonzac’s close observation and careful labor are evident in the intricate web of lines, capturing the vine’s texture. "La Vigne" invites us to appreciate the skill and time invested in its creation, and to reconsider the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.