Slapende soldaat leunt op een trap tegen zijn hellebaard 1880 - 1888

Edmund Herger made this print, Slumbering Soldier Leaning on a Stairway Against His Halberd, using etching. This is an intricate intaglio process where the artist protects areas of a metal plate with wax, then immerses it in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, leaving an image that can be inked and printed. The fine lines, precise hatching, and subtle tonal variations speak to Herger’s skill in controlling this process. We can see the textures of the soldier's clothing, the stone steps, and the architectural details of the vaulted passageway. The visual depth is achieved through layers of etched lines, creating shadows and highlights. Consider the labor involved in creating such an image: the meticulous preparation of the plate, the precise drawing through the wax, the careful timing of the acid bath, and finally, the printing itself. The softness and malleability of the metal allowed the artist to achieve the delicacy of line. The act of printing transforms the scene into something that can be widely distributed, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the soldier. Through the labor-intensive process of etching, Herger elevates the everyday to the realm of art.