Wharfside, Chicago 1935 - 1940

Kent Hagerman made this etching, Wharfside, Chicago, using metal plate and acid. The image presents the bustling activity of Chicago's industrial waterfront, a veritable engine of American capitalism. Hagerman skillfully employs the etching technique to depict the scene's gritty textures and tonal range. Lines incised into the metal plate create fine details, from the ship's rigging to the workers’ clothing. The acid erodes the exposed lines, allowing for varying depths of tone when printed. This process demands careful control, balancing precision with the unpredictable nature of the chemical reaction. The composition emphasizes the scale of both the ship and the buildings in the background, dwarfing the laborers in the foreground. This visual hierarchy speaks to the social context of the time, highlighting the relationship between labor, industry, and the burgeoning urban landscape. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we gain a deeper appreciation for Hagerman's commentary on labor and industry, and it challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and social commentary.