Young Man, Seated, in a Velvet Beret, after Rembrandt 1857

Edgar Degas made this etching, Young Man, Seated, in a Velvet Beret, after Rembrandt, using metal, acid, and ink. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground, and then drawing an image on the ground with a needle. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating lines. The distinctive character of this print comes from its making. Notice the fine, precise lines and the rich textures, created by layering etched marks. The inherent qualities of the metal plate, the acid's etching action, and the artist's skillful drawing all contribute to the final image. Degas was engaging with a rich tradition of printmaking, a technique that sits between the so-called "fine arts" and other skilled trades. The print could then be multiplied, a factor that has strong ties to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. This etching serves as a reminder that understanding the materials, making, and social context is crucial to appreciating the full meaning of any work of art.