Mme Simon II 1891

This is "Mme Simon II," an etching made by Anders Zorn. Look closely, and you'll notice it isn't just a drawing, but an image born of labor and craft. Zorn has bitten lines into a metal plate with acid, creating an incised design that holds ink. This intaglio process is capable of capturing nuance. The material qualities here - the slickness of the metal, the acid's bite, and the paper's absorbency - all contribute to the image's texture. See how the deep blacks contrast with the pale highlights? The amount of work involved in the production process emphasizes the importance of craft and skill. Etching is a printmaking medium, where the matrix of the plate bears witness to a collaboration between artist and artisan. Considering the wider social issues of labor and politics, and the skilled traditions engaged by Zorn, helps us better understand the full meaning of this work.