Parti ved Knippelsbro 1893

Max Kleinsorg made this print of Knippelsbro bridge in Copenhagen using the intaglio process of etching. This involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching an image into it with a sharp needle. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The process is crucial to the image's overall effect. The intricate detail and tonal range, from deep shadows to delicate highlights, result from the way the acid etches varying depths of line. This was a printmaking technique ideally suited to capturing the nuances of light and the textures of the urban landscape. Consider the labor involved, from preparing the plate to the final print. The artist’s hand is evident in every line, reflecting a tradition of skilled craftsmanship. Appreciating these aspects allows us to move beyond simply seeing the image, and towards understanding the artistic and social values embedded within it.