The Flight into Egypt 1848

This evocative print of The Flight into Egypt was made by Charles Jacque using etching, a process dependent on careful handwork. The image begins with a metal plate, likely copper, its surface coated with an acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches into this coating, exposing the metal. Immersed in acid, the design is then eaten into the plate, a bit like slow carving. Finally, ink is pressed into these etched lines, and the image transferred to paper. The result here is dark, almost velvety, with an incredible range of tones achieved through the careful control of the etching process. Look at how the light seems to emerge from the shadows, giving the image a sense of depth and mystery. Jacque’s engagement with the printmaking tradition allowed him to create multiple original artworks, but it also required the skilled labor of the printmaker at each step, blending artistry with craft.