Sitting Model 1892

Anders Zorn created this etching, "Sitting Model," using a copper plate and etching tools. The process begins with a polished copper plate, coated with a waxy ground. Zorn would then draw through this ground with a needle, exposing the copper. Immersing the plate in acid etches the lines, creating grooves that will hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines, and finally pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Zorn was a master of this medium, using the etched line to capture light and shadow with remarkable efficiency. Look closely, and you can see the varying depths of the lines, achieved by controlling the time the plate spends in the acid bath. These methods demanded careful control and a deep understanding of the materials. By appreciating the labor-intensive process, we can fully grasp the artistry involved, challenging any perceived divide between craft and fine art.