East Side Market 1904

Abraham Walkowitz created this print, "East Side Market," using etching. In this intaglio process, the artist likely coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drew into it with a sharp needle. When the plate was immersed in acid, the drawn lines were etched into the metal. The plate was then inked, and wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Finally, it was pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The softness and depth of the etching beautifully capture the bustling atmosphere of the market. Notice how the density of lines creates a sense of crowdedness and activity, reflecting the labor and trade concentrated in this urban space. The work democratizes what is considered a traditional fine art, through the depiction of a social and cultural context. It elevates the everyday lives and labor of ordinary people to the realm of art. This challenges traditional distinctions between art and life, highlighting the social and economic energies of the city.