Head of Girl, Leaning on her Hand 

This is Theodore Roussel's drypoint etching, "Head of Girl, Leaning on her Hand." The printmaking process can seem almost magical, as it involves taking a matrix, like a metal plate, and using it to make multiple, identical impressions. In drypoint, the artist scratches directly into the plate with a sharp needle. This creates a burr of displaced metal, which catches the ink and gives the printed line a soft, velvety quality. Roussel was deeply involved in the etching revival of the late 19th century. This was a time when artists were exploring the expressive potential of printmaking, pushing the boundaries of the medium. The etching needle allowed for a freedom of line, with the capacity to capture subtleties of light and shade. In this work, the directness of the drypoint captures the quiet intimacy of the subject. Through his focus on material and process, Roussel elevated printmaking from a mere reproductive technique to a fine art form.