It Rocks but is Not Sunk 1854

Charles Meryon created this print, "It Rocks but is Not Sunk," using etching, a process that demands both physical strength and meticulous technique. Meryon painstakingly drew through a wax-coated metal plate, exposing the metal beneath. Immersing the plate in acid, he created incised lines that would hold ink. This wasn't just drawing, but a chemical interaction, a collaboration between the artist's hand and the biting force of the acid. The image itself, a heraldic emblem, features intricate details achieved through incredibly fine lines. The dense network of these lines gives the print its rich tonality. The crispness of the etching process perfectly suits the subject matter, lending the emblem a sense of authority and permanence. We can see a skilled tradition in the artwork and the amount of work involved in the production process. Considering its laborious nature, this print asks us to value the time and skill embedded within it, challenging our contemporary ideas of cheap, mass-produced imagery.