Embers Glow 1890 - 1897

Theodore Roussel made this print, Embers Glow, using etching and aquatint, processes that require careful layering of acid-resistant grounds to create subtle tonal variations. Look closely, and you can see how the velvety darkness was built up bit by bit, yielding a rich, nocturnal effect. In its time, this kind of printmaking was not considered ‘high art,’ but rather a commercial technique, used for reproducing images widely. Yet Roussel, like many artists of his era, embraced these methods precisely because they offered a means of democratizing art, making it accessible beyond elite circles. Think of the labor involved, both in the creation of the original image and in the subsequent reproduction. Consider, too, the social implications of making art more widely available, a theme that continues to resonate today. This print invites us to reconsider the boundaries of art and craft, prompting us to appreciate the skill and intention embedded in every line and shade.