Group of trees 

Franz Kobell made this etching titled "Group of Trees," using a metal plate, acid, and ink. With this process, the artist would cover a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratch an image into it with a needle. The plate would then be submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating incised lines. The plate would be inked, and then wiped clean, with ink remaining in the etched lines. Finally, the plate would be pressed onto paper, transferring the image. What is fascinating about this work is how the etching, which is essentially a linear medium, creates the illusion of dense foliage and volume through the careful accumulation of tiny strokes. Think about the labor involved in creating this image – the meticulous preparation of the plate, the focused act of drawing with a needle, and the careful printing process. This kind of close observation and skilled handwork invites us to slow down and appreciate the natural world, one line at a time. It’s a reminder that even in the age of mechanical reproduction, the artist’s touch can bring something unique and valuable into the world.