Bird and the Circle 1957

Larry Rivers made this print, "Bird and the Circle," in 1957 using etching, a process that democratizes artmaking. Rivers created this image on a metal plate with acid, allowing him to make multiple copies. You can almost feel the scratch of the etching needle as it bites into the metal, each line bearing the weight of the artist's hand. Look closely, and you'll see how the stark contrast of black ink on white paper creates a scene that feels both immediate and timeless. Rivers' choice of printmaking, a medium often associated with mass production, makes you think about how art reaches a wider audience, moving beyond the confines of a single, precious object. It's a reminder that art doesn't have to be unique to be valuable. By embracing the inherent qualities of the medium and making this art accessible to a broader public, Rivers challenges us to rethink the boundaries between high art and everyday life.