The Chapel at Crecy, Large Plate (La Chapelle de Crecy (grande planche)) 1923

Andre Dunoyer de Segonzac created this etching, likely in the early to mid-20th century, using a copper plate and acid. The fine lines and delicate tonal variations are achieved through a labor-intensive process of repeated etching. Segonzac’s mastery is evident in the way he coaxes depth and texture from the copper. The densely worked areas, like the foliage and sky, contrast with the open, airy foreground, creating a dynamic visual rhythm. The etched line, with its inherent capacity for both precision and expressive gesture, is key to the image's success. This print stands in a fascinating relationship to both industrial production and the handmade. While the printing press allows for multiple impressions to be made, each print retains the mark of the artist's hand. By focusing our attention on the materials and methods involved, we can see how Segonzac challenged traditional distinctions between art and craft, elevating the status of printmaking as a fine art.