Interior of Fish Houses c. 19th century

Charles Adams Platt made this print, "Interior of Fish Houses," using etching, a process where a metal plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws into this coating, exposing the metal, before bathing the plate in acid. This bites into the metal where exposed, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The choice of etching is significant here. Unlike painting, which can directly represent textures, etching captures the scene through a network of finely inscribed lines. Platt skillfully uses this technique to convey the rough, weathered surfaces of the fish houses and the industrious atmosphere of the harbor. Look closely, and you'll notice how the density and direction of the lines create a sense of depth and volume, suggesting the labor inherent in the fishing industry. Platt's artistic decision to embrace the etched line, allows us to consider the social context and materiality of labor, challenging our traditional understanding of fine art.