A Parson Joining the Hands of Two People 1788

This print, made by Richard Livesay in 1788, captures a parson joining the hands of two people, and it's all in the details of the etching. Livesay worked with etched lines to define the parson’s character, his wig, and the folds of his garments. He uses the inherent qualities of the etching process to make a comment about the wider social context of the late 18th century. See how the lines vary in thickness? This was achieved by acid biting into the metal plate, showing Livesay’s skilled application of the technique. Consider the labor involved: the meticulous drawing, the careful application of acid, and the final printing. These aspects of production are critical to understanding the work’s full meaning. It's not just an image, it’s a material statement, blurring the lines between craft and art.