Odin, set fra siden 1822

This print of Odin, seen from the side, was made by Søren Henrik Petersen, sometime between the late 18th and mid-19th century. It’s a delicate work on paper, likely created with graphite or charcoal. The artist focused on line and shadow to bring forth the seated god Odin, complete with his animal companions. The nature of printmaking means that Petersen wasn't just an artist, he was also a technician, involved in the complex process of reproducing an image multiple times. In this case, the method used was likely etching, which involved coating a metal plate with wax, scratching the design into the wax, and then bathing the plate in acid. The acid would bite into the exposed metal, creating grooves that would hold ink. Consider that each print from the etched plate would require inking, wiping, and running through a press—a labor-intensive endeavor. It is because of this mode of production that prints have historically been more accessible than unique artworks. By understanding the work, we can appreciate its cultural accessibility, bridging the gap between the realm of high art and the everyday lives of people.