Near the Coast [small plate] 1886

Robert Swain Gifford made this small etching, "Near the Coast," sometime in the late nineteenth century. The image evokes a sense of quiet observation of nature, a quality prized by the American Etching Revival movement. This movement sought to establish etching as an original art form, as opposed to a purely reproductive medium. It was part of a broader late-19th century Arts and Crafts movement which rejected industrialization and mass production in favor of traditional craftsmanship and individual expression. Here we see an aesthetic preference for the unique qualities of the etched line. The etching revival also speaks to the rise of art collecting among the middle classes. Art societies formed, and galleries began selling affordable, original prints directly to the public. To understand Gifford’s artistic choices, we can look at exhibition records and period publications. This will allow us to contextualize the work and understand the social and economic factors influencing its creation.