Sacred-bull 1964

Mordecai Moreh created this print of a reclining bull, using etching and engraving techniques. Look closely at the image, and you’ll see the intricate network of lines that define the animal’s mass and form. The printmaking process begins with a metal plate, usually copper or zinc. The artist covers the plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer, then draws an image into this coating with a sharp needle-like tool. Next, the plate is submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The etched lines have a unique quality. They can be fine or bold, and they can vary in depth and texture depending on how much time the plate spends in the acid bath. The skill of the printmaker lies in controlling this process to achieve the desired visual effect. The print medium opens the possibility for producing multiples, although each one will have subtle variations. Thinking about the materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the depth of the artwork.