Franz Rose in His Study 1893

Albert Welti made this print of Franz Rose in his study using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid. The image begins with a metal plate, traditionally copper or zinc. The artist coats the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratches a design into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are ‘bitten,’ creating grooves. The longer the plate stays in the acid, the deeper and wider the lines become. The artist can control the depth of the lines by varying the immersion time, which results in a range of tones in the final print. Once the etching is complete, ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines. The surface is wiped clean, and then the plate is pressed against a sheet of paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. This process could be repeated multiple times, with each print being slightly unique due to variations in inking and pressure. Welti's portrait uses these tonal variations to capture the mood of Rose's interior, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft through the thoughtful application of materials and context.