Verschijning van Maria met het Christuskind aan Sint-Dominicus 1817 - 1891

This print, “Verschijning van Maria met het Christuskind aan Sint-Dominicus” was made by Joseph Meganck sometime in the 19th century. It is a monochrome print on paper, made using etching. Etching is an intricate process. A metal plate is coated in a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and the artist scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed areas, creating recessed lines. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The precision of line in this print speaks to Meganck’s skill. Though etching is fundamentally a reproductive medium, allowing for multiple impressions, the labor involved is considerable, and this is evident in the fine details, the tonal range, and the overall composition. This highly skilled, labor-intensive process is the work's most remarkable attribute.