Marij 1892

This is “Marij,” an etching by David Young Cameron. Here, we see the result of a meticulous process of mark-making on a metal plate. Cameron would have painstakingly covered the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground, then drawn his composition with a sharp needle to expose the metal underneath. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. This required careful judgment to achieve the desired depth and darkness. The plate would then be inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the etched lines, before being pressed onto paper to create the final print. The fine lines and delicate shading suggest Cameron's skill in controlling the etching process. The image is a testament to the labor involved in traditional printmaking, a craft-based process that stands in contrast to more industrialized modes of production. In recognizing the artistry and skill embedded in this etching, we acknowledge the value of craft in a world increasingly dominated by mass production.