Fondamenta del Forner, Venice 1871

Andrew Fisher Bunner made this etching, Fondamenta del Forner, in Venice, using delicate lines incised into a metal plate. The printmaking process then transfers this design onto paper. Look at how the density of the lines creates depth and shadow, a technique mastered through patient labor. Consider also the social context. Etchings like this were often produced in multiples and sold to tourists, a form of early mass production catering to a burgeoning market for picturesque views. The scene itself shows everyday life, children playing in a Venetian square. Yet, there's a careful artistry in its composition. The artist is capturing not just a place but a moment, a scene of unscripted, authentic life. Appreciating the craft and the materials used by Bunner provides a richer understanding of the artwork, blurring the lines between art, commerce, and everyday life.