Meisje inspecteert de kras, die de kat haar op de arm gaf 1879

Auguste Danse made this etching, “Meisje inspecteert de kras, die de kat haar op de arm gaf”, which translates to “Girl inspects the scratch that the cat gave her on the arm”, using traditional printmaking materials, processes, and tools. The fine lines of the etching and the monochromatic palette create a delicate and intimate atmosphere. The girl, rendered in meticulous detail, stands in what looks to be a tiled hallway, next to a cat. The process of etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, scratching an image into the ground, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The plate is then wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, damp paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink to the paper. The work that goes into the etching process can be related to the labor of the girl’s upbringing, in contrast to the leisure activity of keeping a pet. Understanding the materials, making, and context of the artwork allows us to appreciate the skill involved in its production.