The Notaries Flew of With The Prey ("Escribanitos volaron con la presa") 1807 - 1845

Leonardo Alenza created this etching, "The Notaries Flew of With The Prey", using metal plates, acid, and ink. The image shows two figures, presumably notaries, engrossed in some act of taking. Look closely at the etched lines; their density and direction create a sense of shadowy activity and moral murkiness. Alenza skillfully uses the etching process to create a world of commentary, as the acid bites into the metal, mirroring the notaries' exploitation of the vulnerable. Etching, unlike painting, is an indirect process, demanding patience. The artist's hand guides the needle, but it’s the acid that truly carves the image. Consider the labor involved, the deliberate marks suggesting the artist's sharp critique of social injustice. Through this print, Alenza merges the craft of etching with a potent social message, reminding us that art can be a powerful tool for exposing the darker sides of society.