Slapende oude man met vogel 1748 - 1795

Jan Chalon made this etching of a sleeping old man with a bird sometime before 1795. The image is made using the printmaking process of etching. A metal plate, often copper, is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a pointed needle, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The plate is inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate and paper are run through a press, transferring the image to the paper. The result is characterized by fine, precise lines, giving it a distinct visual texture. The web of lines give a sense of the rough texture of the old man’s skin and clothing, and the softness of his slumber. By understanding the labor-intensive process of etching, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill and the intricate detail achieved in this work, underscoring the importance of craft within fine art.