Dromende Psyche 1841 - 1911

Léopold Flameng created this print, Dromende Psyche, using the intaglio process of etching. This method of printmaking is a laborious, multi-stage process involving acid, metal, and immense skill. The way the etching was made directly impacts how the image looks. Flameng would have coated a metal plate with wax, then scratched an image into it with a sharp needle. After bathing the plate in acid, the incised lines would bite into the metal, allowing it to hold ink. By wiping the surface clean and then pressing paper against the plate, he would transfer the image. The varying depths of the lines create a range of tones, adding depth and shadow to the composition. Prints like this one played a crucial role in disseminating images widely in the 19th century. Etching transformed artistic labor, making images reproducible and accessible to a broader audience. This print shows how closely craft is tied to production and distribution, challenging traditional ideas about the value of art.