Marguerite Petersen, født Hansen 1863

This is a portrait of Marguerite Petersen, made as an etching by L.A. Schou. The printmaking process relies on corrosive acid to incise the design into a metal plate – a technique that demands precision. The delicate, fine lines that define Marguerite’s features and elaborate costume speak to the level of skill required. Note the texture of her feathered hat and the intricate details of her ruffled clothing. Each of these elements would have to be carefully rendered on the plate to create a likeness of Petersen. Looking closely, you can see the plate marks left behind. As a multiple, prints like this one can be circulated and consumed widely. In its own way, this etching challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, because it is both a work of artistic expression, and also a product of skilled labor and exacting processes.