Gammel kone 1897

Frans Schwartz made this etching, *Gammel kone*, its date unknown. Look closely, and you'll see a network of fine lines, built up layer by layer. This wasn't a quick sketch, but a labor-intensive process. The artist would have used a sharp needle to draw into a waxy ground on a metal plate, which was then submerged in acid. This etches the design into the metal, allowing for multiple prints to be made. The very act of etching allowed Schwartz to capture the ravages of time on the old woman's face. The cross-hatching creates deep shadows, emphasizing wrinkles and sagging skin. The image isn't idealized or romanticized. Instead, Schwartz shows the reality of aging, a subject often overlooked in fine art. Printmaking like this democratized art, making it accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite. So, next time you look at a print, remember the skill, time, and social context embedded in its creation.