Margaret Griggs (Woman in a fur bonnet, profile to the left) 1648

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print of Margaret Griggs in 1648, using the technique of etching. This intaglio process involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing an image into the wax with a sharp needle. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating an image that can be inked and printed. Looking closely, you can see the fine, precise lines that Hollar used to render the textures of Margaret's fur bonnet and the delicate contours of her face. The etching process allows for a high level of detail, and Hollar was a master of the technique. Consider, too, the labor involved. Each line represents a deliberate act, a physical engagement with the material. Hollar’s skill transforms base metals into enduring images. This print invites us to appreciate the artistry inherent in the making process. It challenges us to look beyond the image itself and consider the skilled hand that brought it into being.