Straat in Rouen 1880

Louis Jules Adeline made this etching, Straat in Rouen, using a metal plate, acid, and ink. The process begins with coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground with a needle, exposing the metal underneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating the etched lines. The longer the plate is exposed to the acid, the deeper the lines become, and the darker they will appear in the final print. The ground is removed, ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The image of paper scraps falling onto a street is a reminder of industrial print processes and how deeply they influence the cultural landscape. Consider the labor and resources required for paper production, printing, and distribution, all of which have social implications. As you contemplate it, think about the way that our perception of art has been affected by such popular techniques.