Le Départ (Le Retour), from Le Voyage en bateau 1861

Charles François Daubigny made “Le Départ (Le Retour)” using etching, a printmaking technique involving biting lines into a metal plate with acid. The controlled corrosion creates recessed lines that hold ink. When pressed to paper, a direct, mirror image of the plate appears. The magic of etching lies in its capacity for both precision and texture. Daubigny’s lines, created by acid's controlled burn, allow for intricate details in the steam engine and figures. The grainy texture, seen in the clouds and landscape, results from the acid's uneven action, suggesting the atmosphere and weight of the scene. Prints like this democratized art, making it accessible beyond wealthy patrons. The detailed work involved in etching reflects a kind of labor, different from painting, but work nonetheless. The image itself shows a train, a symbol of industry, departure, and the changing landscapes of labor and leisure in the 19th century. By understanding the materials and processes behind “Le Départ (Le Retour)”, we gain insight into the social and cultural values embedded in Daubigny's art.