The Stag 

This image of a stag was made by Jost Amman sometime in the late 16th century, using the process of etching. Etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then scratching into it with a fine needle to expose the metal beneath. When the plate is bathed in acid, the lines are eaten away, creating an image that can then be inked and printed. Look closely, and you can see how Amman used this technique to render the texture of the stag's fur, the delicate blades of grass, and the impressive branching antlers. The appeal of etching lies in its relative ease compared to engraving, which requires great force to cut directly into the metal. Etching allowed for more freedom and spontaneity, enabling artists to create detailed and expressive compositions that capture the subtleties of light and shadow. The very concept of ‘drawing’ with acid was an early form of industrial process, bringing the sensibility of the hand into the realm of mass production. By valuing the materiality and the making, we recognize the skilled labor involved, enriching our appreciation of this detailed image.