Drinkers 1843

Charles Jacque made this small etching, "Drinkers," sometime in the 19th century. The image is created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then pressing it onto paper. The material qualities of the etching – its fine lines and the tonal range from dark to light – influence the overall appearance. The process involves a fair amount of labor, from preparing the plate to carefully controlling the depth of the etched lines. This connects to the scene depicted: ordinary people taking a break from their labors. The interior space is dark and undefined, adding to the sense of a momentary escape from the demands of daily life. Jacque’s engagement with etching as a medium acknowledges histories of printmaking, from reproductive illustration to original art. By considering the amount of work involved in creating an etching, along with its social context, we can fully appreciate Jacque's work.