Untitled (Farm Equipment) 1949

This image of farm equipment was made by Charles R. Brown using etching, a printmaking technique. The artist covered a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant coating. They then drew into this coating, exposing the bare metal. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The plate was inked and wiped, leaving ink only in the etched lines, and finally pressed onto paper. The resulting image is characterized by fine, precise lines that capture the mechanical complexity of the farm equipment. The choice of etching emphasizes the labor and precision involved in both farming and printmaking. The monochrome palette adds to the sense of stark realism. This work invites us to think about the labor-intensive processes behind both artistic creation and agricultural production. It challenges traditional hierarchies by elevating everyday tools to the realm of fine art, prompting a reflection on the value and dignity of work.