Smoke Screen 1941

Mabel Wellington Jack made this print, Smoke Screen, using etching, a printmaking technique that dates back to the 16th century. The process involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create an image on paper. Look closely, and you can see the lines created by the etching process. These lines give the battleship and smoke a distinctive texture, conveying a sense of movement and atmosphere. The way these marks are placed determine the tones and shading of the whole composition. The choice of etching as a medium is interesting. It's a technique associated with traditional printmaking, yet the subject matter – a modern warship – speaks to industry and technology. Consider the labor and resources involved in building such a vessel, and the social context of naval power in the early 20th century. By understanding the materials, processes, and social context of Smoke Screen, we can appreciate the artwork's full meaning and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.