Dead stag 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar made this print of a dead stag using etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawing through it with a sharp needle. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away. The longer the plate stays in the acid, the deeper the lines become. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. In this print, Hollar’s masterful use of line captures the texture of the deer’s fur and the rough bark of the tree, as well as a sense of weight and stillness. Etching allowed for the creation of multiple copies, making art more accessible to a wider audience. The process speaks to a growing market for images in Hollar’s time, reflecting shifts in artistic production. By focusing on the skilled labor involved in etching and the social context of its creation, we can move beyond traditional notions of fine art and appreciate the craft and cultural significance embedded in this print.