Two Soldiers, One Standing with Sword, Bow and Arrows, One Seated Seen from Behind 1764

Matthias Pfenninger created this print, "Two Soldiers, One Standing with Sword, Bow and Arrows, One Seated Seen from Behind" sometime in the 18th century using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. In etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground, and the artist draws through this ground to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. This process is repeated to achieve the desired depth and tonal variation. Here, Pfenninger skillfully uses these etched lines to create a range of textures, from the smooth skin of the soldiers to the rough terrain and cloudy sky. The very process of etching, with its reliance on labor-intensive mark-making, contrasts sharply with the efficiency of industrial production, reminding us of the human effort involved in creating even seemingly simple images. Consider how the choice of this specific printmaking method – with its capacity for nuanced detail – inflects our understanding of the image. It speaks to a moment before the full force of industrialization, where craft and artistic skill were deeply intertwined, inviting us to think about the relationship between artistic expression, labor, and social context.