Cheiron onderwijst Achilles 1804

This print, "Cheiron teaching Achilles," was made by Damiano Pernati in the late 18th or early 19th century, using a technique called etching. In etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant material. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see the fine, delicate lines that characterize this process. Etching allowed for detailed and nuanced depictions, ideal for subjects like this mythological scene. The subtle variations in line weight create a sense of depth and volume. Pernati’s print offers insight into the labor and skill involved in traditional printmaking, a craft that bridges the gap between artistic vision and mechanical reproduction.