The Sussex 1916

James McBey made this print, "The Sussex", using etching, a method with a long history. The process begins with a metal plate, often copper or zinc, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then draws into the ground with a pointed tool, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are bitten, creating recessed lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The resulting image has a unique character; etched lines can vary in depth and thickness, giving a sense of texture and depth. In "The Sussex", McBey uses this technique to capture the rough texture of the ship's wreckage and the vastness of the scene. Through the skilled manipulation of materials and process, McBey elevates printmaking from mere reproduction to a powerful mode of artistic expression.