Solitude 1880

Editor: This is Mary Nimmo Moran's etching, Solitude. The intricate lines create a dense, almost claustrophobic, forest scene. I’m struck by the labor involved in producing such detail. What can you tell me about the process and its impact? Curator: The etching process itself is crucial. Think about the physical act of repeatedly applying acid to the plate. Moran, a woman in a male-dominated field, actively engaged in this demanding work. How does her engagement with the physical process of etching challenge our perception of landscape art? Editor: That makes me consider the market for prints at the time and how it democratized art ownership. Thank you. Curator: Precisely! By analyzing the materials and means of production, we see how this seemingly tranquil scene is tied to broader economic and social forces.