Exorcisme 1790

This print, Exorcisme, was made by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, and its fine lines were achieved through etching, a printmaking technique that dates back centuries. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is bathed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves. Finally, the surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The resulting print has a distinctive character, with lines that range from delicate to deeply bitten. Chodowiecki's skill in manipulating this process is evident in the way he captures the nuances of light and shadow, and the expressions on the figures' faces. This print invites us to consider the skill and labor involved in its production, reminding us that even seemingly simple images can be the result of complex and time-honored techniques.