Scenes from Russian Folk Life n.d.

Ignatii Stepanovich Shchedrovskii made this print, "Scenes from Russian Folk Life," sometime in the mid-19th century, using etching. Here, the material directly affects the work's appearance; the stark contrast of the black lines on the white paper creates a high level of detail. With etching, an artist covers a metal plate with a waxy, protective layer, then scratches away the wax to reveal the metal underneath. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines. To make the print, ink is applied to the plate, filling these lines, and then the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink and creating the image. The etching process allows for the mass production of images, making them more accessible to a wider audience. In this case, the image offers a glimpse into Russian society, perhaps commenting on issues of class and labor, as the figures display a range of social statuses. Considering the materials, making, and context of this etching helps us understand its full meaning, blurring the lines between art and craft.