Pepita 1883

Anders Zorn made this print, Pepita, using etching, a process with a long and fascinating history. Etching is an indirect method of engraving. First, a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant material called a ground. The artist then scratches into this ground with a needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper the lines become. Once the artist is satisfied, the plate is cleaned, inked, and then printed onto paper using a press. What I find particularly compelling about etching is the way it combines technical precision with artistic expression. The artist must have a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved, but also a clear vision of the final image. It's a dialogue between control and chance, skill and accident. Through this print, Zorn reminds us that art is not just about the image, but also about the labor, the knowledge, and the traditions that bring it into being.