Self-Portrait with an Etching Needle 1919

This self-portrait was made by Ludwig Meidner in 1919, using etching. Etching is an printmaking technique that requires the artist to use a sharp needle to draw an image onto a metal plate covered with a wax coating. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the metal where the wax has been removed, creating recessed lines. 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 print. Here, Meidner's agitated lines and cross-hatching not only define the contours of his face and hand, but also convey a sense of anxiety. We can see his deep engagement with this somewhat laborious printmaking process. The image encapsulates the artist’s attention to detail. The act of creating an etching demands a physical and temporal commitment, a kind of labor. Appreciating the work involved allows us to see beyond the surface of the image, and to value the artist's skill.