Victorian 1948

Fannie Hillsmith created 'Victorian' in 1943 using etching, a printmaking process reliant on the controlled corrosion of metal. The design is first drawn onto a metal plate covered in a waxy, acid-resistant ground. Then, the exposed metal is bitten by acid, creating recessed lines that hold ink. This plate is then pressed onto paper. Here, the fine etched lines describe an abstracted, surreal interior space, hinting at a nostalgic vision of Victorian-era decor. The choice of etching is significant. While seemingly traditional, the reproducibility of printmaking democratizes art, making it accessible beyond the elite circles who might have originally consumed Victorian aesthetics. This piece subtly questions the social structures embedded within the very concept of 'Victorian' taste, and the labor involved in creating and maintaining such an environment. By understanding the materials and processes, we begin to see how Hillsmith’s 'Victorian' is more than just a visual representation; it’s a commentary on class, labor, and the changing landscape of art consumption.