Uno Stadius 1905

Anders Zorn’s "Uno Stadius" is an intimate portrait, etched in metal. The essence of the image lies in the controlled corrosion of the plate, line by line. Consider the labour involved: Zorn would have painstakingly applied a waxy ground to the metal, then drawn into it with a sharp needle. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This process could be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired depth and darkness. It is a dance between control and chance, demanding both technical skill and an artistic eye. The resulting print bears the trace of this process. The varying depths and textures create a rich, tonal range that captures the sitter's likeness and imbues it with a sense of depth. It is important to remember that etching, like other forms of printmaking, has historically democratized art, making images accessible to a wider audience than unique works. Zorn, through his mastery of this medium, participates in that story. Ultimately, this small print speaks volumes about the relationship between material, labor, and artistic expression.