Meisje met halssieraad 1879

This is an etching by Jean-Paul Laurens, made using a copper plate, acid, and printing press. Traditional art materials, certainly. The image’s somber mood derives from its making. See how Laurens has created a broad range of tones, from the light of the paper to almost velvety blacks, which create the overall atmosphere. This was achieved through controlled corrosion of the plate with acid. The lines were incised by hand with fine tools. This process, which demands time and expertise, elevates the final print beyond mere reproduction, closer to an original drawing. Prints like these circulated widely in the 19th century, democratizing art by making it available to a broader public. Yet, the labor-intensive nature of etching, combined with Laurens' skill, speaks to a tension between mass production and the unique value of artistic creation. This piece serves as a reminder that even in seemingly reproducible media, the hand of the artist and the inherent qualities of materials remain central to the artwork's meaning.