At Prayer 1912

Anders Zorn created this print, ‘At Prayer,’ using etching, a process that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid. The image is made up of a network of thin lines, a testament to Zorn's skill with the etching needle. Zorn was fascinated by capturing the effects of light, and here, he uses the varying density of lines to model the form of the woman and the soft light falling on her face and hands. It is a deeply intimate and human scene. The act of prayer suggests a moment of introspection, and the tonal qualities of etching, with its soft grays and blacks, create a contemplative mood. Etching has a long history, moving from functional applications, such as the decoration of armour, to its embrace by artists as a means of creative expression. What began as an artisanal process, became, through figures like Zorn, a highly valued aesthetic practice. This artwork invites us to consider the rich history of printmaking and its ability to convey both technical skill and artistic vision.