H. Judas Thaddeus 

This print of H. Judas Thaddeus was made anonymously, using the process of etching. This is an intaglio printmaking technique, where a metal plate has a design bitten into it with acid. The plate is covered with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, through which the artist draws, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which eats away at the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. The print is then made by pressing paper against the plate, transferring the ink. The incisive, linear quality of the image is a direct result of this process. The subtle variations in line weight and density create a sense of depth and shadow. This print demonstrates how technical skill, labor, and a deep understanding of materials converge to produce a powerful image. It is a reminder that the most meaningful works often arise from the intersection of craft and art.