Judge 1928

Dwight Case Sturges created this intaglio print called, Judge, using a copper plate. Look closely at the textures Sturges coaxes from the metal. Notice the dry, scratchy lines that describe the judge's robes, and the soft, almost velvety areas that define his face and beard. I imagine him rocking the plate, bathing it in acid, each dip revealing new depths. It is such a physical process! See how the light catches the edge of the table. Then notice the way the figures in the background are softly implied, almost fading into the atmosphere of the court room. It's the way the light and dark are handled with such subtlety that really grabs me. Sturges was very interested in print making and this piece reminds me of work by Whistler, who was also a prolific print maker. These artists invite us to see the world in shades of gray.