Gothic Lady 1946

Walter Tittle made this etching on a metal plate, leaving delicate scratches and lines to make an image in ink of a gothic lady. Look closely at the way the light falls across the stone, creating subtle tonal variations. I imagine Tittle carefully preparing his plate, meticulously carving each line with a sharp tool, building up the image through layers of precise marks. I can almost feel the cool touch of the metal under his hand, the focused concentration as he works. It's a slow process, full of anticipation, wondering how it’s going to look in reverse once it’s printed. The etching captures the way gothic statues communicate a sense of timelessness and solemnity. Notice how the parallel lines create a sense of depth and texture, while the contrast between light and shadow adds drama and mystery. It reminds me of the work of other etchers, like Piranesi, who used line to create monumental spaces. Artists are always in conversation with each other, borrowing ideas and techniques across time. This print is an invitation to slow down, look closely, and embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty of art.