Two Men and Two Coins 

Perry Oliver created this print using etching, a process with a long and intriguing history. To make it, he likely coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drew his image, exposing the metal. Immersing the plate in acid bit away the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the darker the line would appear in the final print. The plate was then inked, wiped clean leaving ink only in the etched lines, and pressed onto paper. Etching offers a democratic art form because it allows for the creation of multiple originals, undermining the traditional concept of the unique masterpiece. The social dimension of this print lies in its intimate scale, and in the characters depicted: everyday people whose story is left to our imagination. The two coins at their feet hint at their financial circumstances, reflecting the lives of ordinary individuals.