An Evening Walk 1886

This is an etching called 'An Evening Walk' by William Langson Lathrop, made in 1886. The image is created by using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. In this artwork, the etched lines define not only the forms but also the atmosphere. Look at the density of the lines in the darker areas, creating a sense of depth and shadow. This wasn't a quick process; it required careful planning and skilled execution. Etching, as a reproductive medium, gained prominence with the rise of capitalism and the need for accessible imagery. In the nineteenth century, it played a crucial role in disseminating art and information. The labor involved in producing each print, though less than a unique painting, speaks to the changing dynamics of artistic production and consumption. Considering the material and the making helps us appreciate Lathrop’s work, not just as a picture, but as an object embedded in a specific time and place.