Athene en Macedonië 1772 - 1779

This print, “Athene en Macedonië,” was made by Etienne Claude Voysard in France, using etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawing through it with a needle. Acid then bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The pressure of the printing press then transfers the ink to paper, creating the design. Notice how this process allows for very fine lines, giving the image an incredible sense of detail. Voysard has used this capability to create a complex, allegorical design. The contrast between the dark lines and the white paper also gives the print a stark, graphic quality. Etching was a key technology in the rise of mass media, allowing images to be reproduced and disseminated widely. This particular print is not exactly mass media, but speaks to the way that prints circulated designs between makers. By understanding the material process of etching, we can appreciate its historical significance and the skilled labor required to produce such intricate images.