Rabbits (Lapins) 

Joseph Hecht made this etching, Rabbits, using a metal plate, acid, and ink. Etching is an indirect process, requiring the artist to protect areas of a metal plate with a resistant ground, before exposing unprotected areas to acid, creating an image capable of holding ink. The plate is then inked and pressed against paper. Look closely and you’ll see the variety of lines that describe the rabbits, from the thicker outlines to the delicate shading that gives them volume. Hecht’s skillful handling of the etching process is evident in the precision and control of the lines, which are achieved through careful timing and manipulation of the acid bath. The subtle variations in the lines create a sense of depth and texture, bringing the rabbits to life on the paper. The resulting print is a testament to Hecht's mastery of the etching technique, and his artistic vision. It reminds us that prints, though often seen as multiples, are in fact unique works of art, made through laborious processes.