Brücke (Bridge) 1960 - 1961

Anton Lehmden made this print, titled "Brücke," sometime between 1960 and 1964, using etching techniques. The plate measures roughly 17 by 22 cm. Lehmden has created an image through the painstaking process of repeatedly drawing into a metal plate with a sharp needle. He then submerged the plate in acid, allowing it to bite into the exposed lines. The quality of the line is largely determined by the amount of time the plate is exposed to the acid, thus how deeply the lines are etched. This gives the print its unique character of the image. Notice how the density of marks creates a sense of mass, and the texture of stone, contrasting with the emptiness of the sky. Through craft and skill, Lehmden creates a compelling image, while showing us that materials and processes have a profound effect on how we experience the world. It blurs the line between fine art and skilled craftsmanship.