Hektor steekt de Griekse schepen in brand 1804

Damiano Pernati made this print, ‘Hektor steekt de Griekse schepen in brand,’ using etching, a printmaking technique prized for its fine lines and detailed imagery. The etching process begins with a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this coating with a sharp needle, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are “bitten,” creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed against paper, transferring the image. The resulting print is characterized by a delicacy that’s quite different from a drawing made directly with ink. The controlled process of etching allows for precise articulation of details, evident in the rendering of the waves, the soldiers' armor, and the billowing smoke. It's a testament to the skill involved in both the physical labor and the artistic vision, challenging any strict separation between craft and fine art.