Profile Head of a Woman 1890

Julian Alden Weir made this etching, "Profile Head of a Woman," using a metal plate, acid, and ink. It's a process of controlled corrosion, where the artist draws through a waxy ground to expose the metal, then immerses it in acid. The longer the acid bath, the deeper the lines, which hold more ink and create darker tones. The quality of the lines in this image speaks to the artist's skill. See how the etched lines vary in direction and weight, building up the image gradually from light to dark. Notice the subtle lines across the sitter's cheek, and the more emphatic marks defining the hair and shadow. The etched marks work together, creating a sense of volume and depth. Etching allows for nuanced detail and tonal range, yet also lends itself to mass production. This printmaking technique democratized art, making images more accessible to a wider audience. By attending to these processes, we can appreciate the blend of skill, labor, and technology that shapes our experience of art.