Everzwijnen in een bos 1846 - 1887

Auguste André Lançon created this etching, titled "Wild Boar in a Forest," using metal plate and acid. The image is created by drawing through an acid-resistant ground to expose the metal, then bathing it in acid, which bites into the lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched grooves, before being printed on paper. This printmaking technique is a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. The artist's hand is evident in the quality of the drawn line, creating a richness of tone, and capturing the texture of the boars’ bristly coats. It sits at an interesting point in the history of reproduction, an accessible medium that sits between high art and industrial production, opening up art to a wider audience. Consider the time, skill, and effort required to produce this image, and the way its physical qualities give it a unique presence and cultural value. By understanding the making process, we can appreciate the artistry and significance of works like this, which challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.