Gezicht op vissersboten bij Inverkeithing 1905

Martin Hardie created this etching of fishing boats near Inverkeithing, using a technique that dates back centuries. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into it. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. Ink is applied, the surface wiped clean, and the print is made by pressing paper against the plate. Here, Hardie harnesses the precision of the etched line to capture the scene's atmospheric quality, from the stormy clouds to the intricate details of the boats and buildings. The linear quality creates a sense of depth and texture in the overall image. The social context of etching is also important; it democratized artmaking by enabling the relatively easy production of multiple copies. Artists could circulate their work more widely. So, while the scene itself evokes a specific place and time, the medium used to depict it speaks to broader shifts in artistic production and consumption. Hopefully, this gives you a deeper appreciation of the work.