Portret van Horace Vernet 1844 - 1887

Claude-Ferdinand Gaillard made this portrait of Horace Vernet using a technique called etching. The image is created by drawing into a waxy ground applied to a metal plate. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the metal where the ground has been removed. The resulting lines are inked and printed, leaving an image on the paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the accumulation of very fine marks that build up the image, creating a sense of depth and volume. Gaillard was known for his skill in this meticulous process, using it to capture subtle details and textures. The method of etching, with its reliance on skilled handwork and chemical processes, bridges the gap between traditional art practices and the industrialized world. By appreciating the materials, the making process and context of this print, we can move beyond conventional artistic categories.