Beatrice c. 1776 - 1809

John Hamilton Mortimer made this print, Beatrice, using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate. The resulting lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper. The appeal of etching in the 18th century was that the artist could create an image in the same way as a drawing, directly onto the plate, and then leave the more hazardous aspects of production to a professional printer. Here, the etched lines articulate the subject's features, hair, and clothing. Note the variations in line weight and density, creating a range of tonal effects. The technique allowed for the relatively easy reproduction of images, and the broad distribution of art to the public, thereby democratizing taste. Etchings like Beatrice were a vital part of visual culture, feeding the desires of a growing middle class with aspirations to participate in a wider world of art and ideas.