Gezicht op een tempel in 20 rue Jacob in Parijs 1906 - 1911

Henri Manesse created this etching, entitled "View of a Temple in 20 rue Jacob in Paris," using metal plate and acid. The artist would have coated the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground before scratching away the image. The exposed metal was then bitten by acid, creating delicate lines. The resulting print is all about the surface, and Manesse coaxes a phenomenal tonal range from his chosen process. Note the contrast between light and shadow, and how this serves to emphasize the temple's architectural details. The print rewards close looking, with the carefully hatched lines building up to create a sense of depth and texture. This printmaking technique connects Manesse to a much broader artistic and social landscape, as the graphic arts became increasingly industrialized during the 19th century. As new technologies emerged, artists had to reconsider their role in this changing world, which is why a seemingly straightforward image repays careful attention to materials, making, and context.