Saint Francis beneath a Tree Praying 1657

This print of Saint Francis was made by Rembrandt van Rijn, using etching. In this technique, a metal plate is coated with wax and the artist draws through it with a sharp needle. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and then the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the print is made by pressing paper against the plate. The resulting image has a distinctive quality, with fine lines and subtle gradations of tone. Look at how Rembrandt suggests the texture of the tree bark, or the soft folds of Saint Francis' robe. The density of etched lines creates areas of darkness, evoking a feeling of solemnity. Consider that etching was an industrial technique, used for mass production, and that Rembrandt embraced it wholeheartedly. The method allowed him to create images with remarkable detail, making them widely accessible. In this way, Rembrandt blurred the lines between fine art and the more commercial world of printmaking, raising questions about art's purpose in society.