Hornbæk kirke, sommeraften 1887

Carl Locher created this etching, Hornbæk kirke, sommeraften, by incising lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with a sharp needle and then bathing it in acid. It's a centuries-old technique, traditionally seen as a "minor" art form, although demanding a high degree of skill. The dense network of etched lines creates a rich, velvety blackness, particularly in the silhouetted buildings. Note how the varying pressure of the needle has produced a wide tonal range, from the solid forms of the buildings to the delicate, atmospheric sky. The artist's labor is evident in the meticulous detail and control of the etched lines. This craft-based process, with its roots in printmaking, allowed for the reproduction and dissemination of images to a wider audience, challenging the traditional hierarchy of unique, handcrafted artworks versus mass-produced items. Locher’s choice of etching aligns the work with a democratic impulse, making art accessible beyond the elite.