Tower of St. Germain-des-Prés 1900

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this etching, Tower of St. Germain-des-Prés, using metal plate and etching tools. Look closely, and you’ll notice the image isn't simply drawn but created through a meticulous process. The artist likely coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then used a sharp needle to scratch away the coating, revealing the metal underneath. This painstaking work exposes the bare metal, allowing acid to bite into it, creating fine lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and resulting in the print we see. This printmaking process highlights the labor-intensive methods of producing multiples of an image. The technique, demanding patience and skill, contrasts with the mass production of images today. By understanding the means of its creation, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and labor embedded within this seemingly simple print.