Udsigt fra Madrids omegn (2e Vue des Environs de Madrid en Espagne) 1775 - 1825

Jeanne Deny created this print, "Udsigt fra Madrids omegn," sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century using a metal plate, likely copper, and acid. The image was incised into the plate through a process called etching, where the metal is exposed by scratching away at a wax coating before being submerged in acid. The acid bites into the metal where exposed, creating the lines that hold ink and transfer the image onto paper. The controlled corrosion of the metal allows for fine details and subtle gradations of tone, which you can see in the delicate rendering of the trees and figures. Notice how the density of the etched lines creates areas of dark and light, giving the scene depth and atmosphere. The printmaking process allows for the production of multiple impressions, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Deny's skill in etching transforms the landscape into a commodity, reflecting the growing commercialization of art during this period. The labor-intensive process, from preparing the plate to printing the final image, speaks to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. By considering the material and method, we recognize the value in Deny's craftsmanship.