Old Barnes c. 19th century

Stephen Parrish made "Old Barns" using etching, a printmaking technique that gives the image a unique texture. The process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and then the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. In this particular print, the fine lines and subtle tonal variations emphasize the texture of the old barns, the ruggedness of the landscape, and the reflections in the water. The etching process itself, with its careful, laborious steps, mirrors the care and labor involved in building and maintaining these barns. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images are the result of skilled handwork, bridging the gap between fine art and craft.