The Death of Chatterton 1860

Thomas O. Barlow created "The Death of Chatterton" using a technique called etching, a printmaking process that relies on the effects of acid on metal. Barlow has masterfully manipulated the etching process, achieving a remarkable range of tones and textures. Look closely, and you will see fine lines, built up through painstaking labor. These tiny marks evoke the somber atmosphere of the scene. The etcher's labor-intensive method mirrors the realities of artistic production in the 19th century. Chatterton’s story speaks to the struggles of artists trying to survive in a merciless economic system. Remember, it takes tremendous labor to produce an image like this. The market forces that drove Chatterton to his tragic end are still relevant to the lives of artists and other creative workers today.