Filosofien giver en ung mand livet 1778

J.F. Clemens made this print, Filosofien giver en ung mand livet, using etching, a printmaking technique that dates back to the Middle Ages. To make an etching, a metal plate, usually copper, is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into the ground, exposing the metal. Next, the plate is immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The longer the plate sits in the acid, the deeper the lines become. Once the etching is complete, the ground is removed, and the plate is inked. The ink fills the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, a piece of paper is laid on the plate, and both are run through a press, transferring the ink from the grooves onto the paper. Etching allowed for detailed line work and tonal variations, making it a popular method for creating copies of paintings and original designs. In this print, the precision of the etched lines brings the scene to life, inviting viewers to contemplate the virtues of philosophy.