Dolo 1894

This is David Young Cameron's "Dolo", an etching made with metal and acid. An etching is made by drawing an image into a waxy ground laid on a metal plate. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the metal where it's exposed, creating an image that can be inked and printed. Notice the many fine lines that define the buildings, trees, and water. The etcher's skill lies in controlling the acid's bite to create depth and texture. This isn’t just a picture; it’s a record of the artist's hand and the corrosive action of acid, a collaboration between human skill and material reaction. The final print is evidence of the artist's mastery and labor and prompts us to consider the cultural and economic systems that supported the production of this artwork. It blurs the boundaries of art, craft, and industry, inviting questions about value, skill, and the nature of artistic creation.