From Billingsgate 1878

James McNeill Whistler created this etching, 'From Billingsgate', using metal plates and acid. The technique involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material, then scratching an image into the coating. Immersing the plate in acid etches the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. The material qualities of the metal plate – its smoothness and receptivity to fine lines – enable Whistler to capture a scene along the Thames with incredible detail. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the water, the rigging of the ships, and the figures bustling about their work. The etching process itself has a social context. It allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible. But it also speaks to the labor involved in creating the printing plates, requiring skilled craftsmanship and time. Whistler, by embracing this medium, blurred the lines between art and industry. Ultimately, understanding the material and the making sheds light on the social and cultural significance of the work.