Solnedgang i en skov 1885

Vilhelm Kyhn made this print, Sunset in a Forest, using etching, a traditional printmaking technique. An etcher carefully applies a waxy, acid-resistant ground to a metal plate, draws an image into the ground, and then bathes the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The final print captures the tonal range of the forest, contrasting light and shadow. The process demands precision, time, and care, reflecting a deliberate artistic choice. This connects with broader social issues of labor and skill, particularly the value placed on meticulous handwork in the production of art. The directness of the etched line and the way it captures light and texture reminds us that the artistic process itself holds cultural and social meaning. Kyhn's choice of etching reflects a desire to engage with established artistic traditions, while subtly asserting the significance of craft in fine art.