The Little Blacksmith 1843

"The Little Blacksmith" is an etching by Charles Jacque from 1843. The print depicts two young men, one working at an anvil and the other watching him. The scene is dimly lit and focuses on the figures, their faces partially obscured by the shadows. The artist's attention to detail in rendering the tools and the worn surface of the workshop creates a sense of realism. This etching is a classic example of Jacque's work which is characterized by its attention to detail and its portrayal of working-class life. The use of etching, a technique that involves using acid to create lines on a metal plate, adds to the print's sense of texture and depth.