Jule- og nytårskort 1932

Axel Hou made this Christmas and New Year card in 1932, using printmaking techniques. The image is etched into a metal plate, likely copper, using acid to bite away the exposed areas. Notice how the fineness of the etched lines determines the contrasts and tonality of the image. Look at the angel, for instance, or the faces of the shepherds gathered around their fire. These dense areas create a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the stark white of the paper lends a crisp, ethereal quality. The act of etching, with its careful process of drawing, biting, and printing, stands in contrast to the mass production of holiday cards today. Hou’s print speaks to a time when craftsmanship and personal touch were more deeply valued, when the labor involved in creating an object was evident in the final result. This beautiful print reminds us of the value of skilled work, and the rich social context of handmade objects.