"Kakkelorum" No. 2 1787

This print, "Kakkelorum" No. 2, was made by J.F. Clemens in the late 18th century, using a technique called etching. Etching is a printmaking process that uses acid to create lines in a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. The fine lines and delicate details we see here are characteristic of this method. The process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating, then scratching away areas to expose the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines. Consider the labor involved. From preparing the metal plate to the physical act of drawing with a needle, to printing the final image, each stage demands skill and precision. The finished product, a multiple, makes the image accessible to a wider audience. By focusing on the materials and the making, we appreciate how "Kakkelorum" No. 2 bridges craft, art, and social commentary. The print is not just an image, but the result of skilled work.