Medaillør Krohn på vandring 1835

This is "Medaillør Krohn på vandring" by Constantin Hansen, an etching on paper. The etching process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then scratching an image into that surface, exposing the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. Looking closely, the delicate lines capture subtle details of Krohn's figure. The print-making process, in this instance, allows for the reproduction of images, making art more accessible beyond the elite. The production of prints involves skilled labor and specialized equipment, reflecting the burgeoning industrialization of the 19th century. Understanding the material and process sheds light on the artwork's cultural value, reminding us that art is not just about the image, but also about the means of its making and distribution.