Zittende oude man, en profil 1890 - 1930

Philip Zilcken made this etching, “Sitting Old Man, in Profile”, using metal, acid, and ink. The image’s delicate lines and tonal variations are a direct result of the etching process. Zilcken likely coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then drew his composition through it with a needle. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Finally, the plate was inked, the surface wiped clean, and the image transferred to paper under pressure, capturing the etched lines with remarkable precision. Etching was crucial to the rise of print culture. Zilcken’s choice of this reproducible medium speaks to a desire to engage with a wider audience, using the techniques of craft to create multiple originals. The medium aligns with his empathetic rendering of old age, making it accessible to a broad viewership. Here we see how the choice of materials and processes significantly impacts the artwork's final appearance and meaning, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.