Vulcan et Thetis c. 17th century

Stefano della Bella created this etching of Vulcan and Thetis in the 17th century. Etching is a printmaking technique that uses acid to create lines in a metal plate. The plate is covered with a waxy, protective layer, then the artist scratches an image into that layer with a needle. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating the lines that will hold ink. The longer the plate sits in acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be. Look closely, and you’ll see how the varying depths and densities of lines describe the scene. The flowing lines of Thetis's dress contrast sharply with the jagged lines depicting Vulcan's forge and tools, suggesting the different realms of beauty and industry these figures represent. The artist’s skilled hand brought together the realms of craft and fine art to tell a classical story through the immediacy of printmaking. Approaching art from the perspective of its making gives us a new appreciation for the artist’s technical skill and vision.