Aurora en Cephalus c. 1634 - 1679

Nicolaes van Helt Stockade created ‘Aurora en Cephalus,’ using etching, likely in the mid-17th century. Etching is a printmaking process that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create lines in a metal plate. The plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, through which the artist draws, exposing the metal. When immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves that hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The incisive clarity of the etched line lends itself well to mythological subjects like this one. The process is especially effective at capturing the drama of light and shadow, and the intricate details add to the sense of depth and movement. Ultimately, understanding the labor-intensive process of etching allows us to appreciate the skill involved in creating this kind of print, and how this reflects the time and culture in which the artist worked.