Untitled (trial proof 1st state - plate in black) 1988

This print, by Jasper Johns, is a trial proof, made using etching – a process that involves biting lines into a metal plate with acid, inking it, and then running it through a press to transfer the image to paper. Etching's a labor-intensive medium, traditionally requiring highly skilled artisans. But Johns often disrupted this tradition, embracing the unpredictable and deliberately blurring the line between chance and control. In this work, you can see the bold textures and tonal range achieved through the acid's action on the metal. The plate itself becomes a record of the artistic process, with the various states of the etching reflecting the evolution of the image. The composition itself is layered, with multiple images and motifs. This reflects Johns' interest in signs and symbols, and also suggests a dialogue between different modes of production. By bringing together the traditions of printmaking with a very contemporary sensibility, Johns challenges us to think about how we assign value to art.