Old Chapel at Châtillon-d'Azergues 1799

Jean Jacques de Boissieu made this print of the Old Chapel at Châtillon-d'Azergues using etching, a printmaking technique. The artist carefully coated a copper plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance known as a ground. De Boissieu then used a pointed tool to draw through this ground, exposing the metal underneath in a network of fine lines. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Once the ground was removed, ink was applied to the plate, filling these grooves. Finally, the plate and a sheet of paper were pressed together, transferring the ink and image onto the paper. The linear nature of the etching process lends itself well to detailed landscapes like this one, with its buildings, foliage, and figures. The atmospheric perspective is also enhanced by the gradations of tone that can be achieved by varying the density and depth of the etched lines. De Boissieu’s skill at manipulating this process allowed him to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow in this scene. Ultimately, appreciating the work involved in this piece allows us to fully appreciate its aesthetic qualities, blurring any hierarchy between art and craft.