Connecticut River 1885

Charles Platt's "Connecticut River" is an etching, made with acid on a metal plate, then printed on paper. The resulting image presents us with a scene of boats and docks, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Platt’s skill in etching captures a sense of place through careful attention to line and tone. The weathered wood of the docks, the reflections on the water, and the distant buildings are all rendered with a precise economy. Etching is inherently tied to industrial modes of production. While Platt's artistry is evident, the medium itself connects him to the broader context of printmaking, where images are multiplied and distributed. The level of detail suggests considerable labor, both in the initial design and the meticulous work of etching. Platt transforms a scene of everyday commerce into a work of art, elevating the craft of printmaking to a fine art. In this work, Platt challenges the distinction between art and craft, using industrial means to create a scene of natural beauty and human industry.