In the Embers 1887

Paul-Albert Besnard created this etching, titled 'In the Embers', using a metal plate, likely copper or zinc, and acid. The image's stark contrasts rely on the labor-intensive process of etching. Besnard would have coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then drawn his composition, exposing the metal. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink was then forced into these grooves, the surface wiped clean, and the image transferred to paper under immense pressure. The material of the metal plate is crucial; its hardness allows for fine detail, while its capacity to be etched determines the depth and darkness of the lines. The weight of the paper and the ink's viscosity also contribute to the final image. Consider the amount of work involved, from preparing the plate to the final print. Etching has a rich history straddling craft and fine art, and reminds us that every artwork is the product of skilled labor.