Draped Model 1870

James McNeill Whistler created this print, Draped Model, using etching—a process rooted in the world of metalworking. The image is created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then running it through a press, transferring the ink to paper. Here, the relatively light touch and open composition of the image reveal the artist's hand. Notice how the lines vary in thickness and depth, creating a sense of shadow and volume. This approach emphasizes the physical act of drawing, capturing the immediacy of the artist's vision. Whistler was part of a broader movement that sought to elevate printmaking to the level of fine art, breaking down traditional hierarchies between different creative practices. By emphasizing the skilled labor involved in etching, he challenged the notion that art was purely about aesthetic beauty, reminding us of the many hands and processes that contribute to its creation.