Bathroom 

Charles Maurin made this print, titled ‘Bathroom’, using color etching – a process that allows the artist to create an image in layers. Maurin manipulates the copper plate with acid, scratching lines into the surface, before applying ink to transfer his design to paper. See how the texture varies across the composition, from the soft, blurred figure, to the sharper details of the wallpaper. This reflects the amount of work invested in each area of the plate. Consider the social context of printmaking. It made art accessible to a wider audience, beyond the wealthy elite who could afford original paintings or sculptures. Etchings also allowed artists to explore subjects like modern life and domestic intimacy, as seen here. Maurin was part of a generation questioning established norms, experimenting with new materials and techniques. His prints demonstrate the value of craft in expressing personal and social concerns, blurring the lines between art and everyday life.