Mr. Hayward 

John Melville Kelly created this print, Mr. Hayward, using the technique of etching. The etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a needle, exposing the metal. Dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. These grooves are then filled with ink, and the plate is pressed onto paper. Kelly’s skillful use of etching captures not just Hayward's likeness, but also a sense of his presence. The cross-hatching and subtle tonal variations give depth and texture to the image. The surrounding decor and plant life add to the overall composition, creating a portrait that is both intimate and formal. By appreciating the craft involved, we see “Mr. Hayward” not just as a picture, but as the outcome of a process, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.