Strawberry with Oval 1769

This hand-colored etching, Strawberry with Oval, was made by John Edwards in the late 1700s. Edwards deployed the traditional processes of etching, and used watercolor to produce the print. These were the industrial materials of his era. Look at the fine lines, a product of incising a metal plate with acid, and the delicate washes of pigment that bring the image to life. The process demanded considerable skill. The original drawing would have taken a great deal of time and patience, with Edwards needing to be adept at using specialist tools. There is immense labor involved in the production of artworks, and the labor in making this print is evident in the precision of each line and the careful application of color. By appreciating the materials, making, and context, we can better grasp the artistry of the print, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.