Catherine Kuttinger, Callot's Wife 

This etching of Catherine Kuttinger, Callot’s Wife, was made by Israel Henriet around the mid-17th century, using a printmaking technique that was relatively new at the time. The etched lines create a clear and detailed image, but the process relies on a division of labor. The copper plate would have been carefully coated with wax or resin, then the design would be scratched into the surface with a needle. Immersing the plate in acid then bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves that hold the ink. Finally, the plate is cleaned and inked, and paper is pressed against it, transferring the image. This process can then be repeated over and over again. Henriette's skill lies in the precise, controlled marks that bring Callot's Wife to life. The print makes one think about textiles, and the huge amount of labor required to produce them. The act of printing itself, which creates reproducibility, also transformed the nature of artistry. It’s through considering the material and the making, that we can appreciate the full social and cultural significance of this work.