Parti fra Hven 1895

This print, "Parti fra Hven", was created by Johanne Frimodt, and its fine lines were achieved through etching. Here, the manipulation of a metal plate is crucial. The plate is coated, then scratched into with a needle to expose the metal. Acid then bites into these lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The printmaker carefully wipes the surface, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Applied to paper under great pressure, the image emerges. Frimodt’s skill lies in the way she coaxes tonal variation from this linear process, creating depth and texture. Notice the contrast between the dark foreground foliage and the stark white cliff face, achieved through varying the density and depth of the etched lines. The print rewards close looking, where we can see the labor and care that it embodies. Considering the intensive process, we move beyond the traditional divide between art and craft, recognizing the artist’s command of materials and their transformation into a compelling image.