Bathers in the Shade of Wooded Banks 1894

Camille Pissarro made this aquatint print, *Bathers in the Shade of Wooded Banks*, using a copper plate to transfer the image onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the textures and tones of the artwork emerge from the processes used in its creation. The granular effect is achieved by applying a porous ground to the metal plate. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed areas, creating a pattern of tiny pits. When inked and printed, these pits hold the ink, producing the image's soft, grainy appearance. The nature of printmaking allows for the democratic distribution of images like this one, reaching a wider audience. Pissarro created an original artwork and also produced multiple copies. This work invites us to think about the intersection of labor, artistry, and the commodification of art in the late 19th century. It blurs the boundaries between fine art and craft.