Shipping on the Giudeca (The Docks) 1883

Frank Duveneck’s “Shipping on the Giudeca (The Docks)” is an etching, made with a metal plate, likely copper, and acid. The artist would have coated the plate with a waxy ground, scratched the image into it with a needle, then submerged the plate in acid. The longer the acid bath, the deeper the lines, and the darker they appear when printed. See how some lines are barely visible, while others have a powerful presence? This suggests a carefully controlled process, involving decisions made on the fly, by Duveneck. The image captures the lively scene of a busy waterway, filled with boats and architectural details. The use of etching—a relatively indirect medium—lends a certain softness to the scene, despite the angularity of the ships’ rigging. This wasn't an industrial print process meant for mass consumption. Instead, etching allowed artists like Duveneck to make multiple originals, each possessing the handmade touch. The resulting print reflects a moment, captured with a sharp eye and considerable skill, and offered for sale in a growing art market. It is a hybrid of industry and studio practice.