Outing on Horseback 1811

Johann Adam Klein created this print, "Outing on Horseback," in 1818, using etching on paper. The fineness of the lines suggests the use of a very sharp tool, carefully drawn across a wax-covered plate. Acid would then have bitten into the exposed lines, allowing for the image to be printed. Note how the qualities of the etched line influence the appearance of the artwork. Klein uses hatching to create tonal variation and suggest the forms of the horses and riders. Look at the way he captures the texture of their clothing and the landscape. Etching was a key technique for disseminating images in the 19th century. The relatively low cost of printmaking meant that art could reach a much wider audience, influencing social tastes and ideas. This print gives us a glimpse into the leisure activities of the upper class. By considering the materials, processes, and social context of "Outing on Horseback," we can better understand its meaning and significance.