Old Man with an Open Book 1770

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo made this print, "Old Man with an Open Book," sometime in the late 18th century, using etching. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawing into it with a stylus. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites away the exposed lines. The longer the acid bath, the deeper the lines, and the darker they will print. The plate is then inked, wiped, and run through a press, transferring the image onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how Tiepolo used this process to create a range of tones and textures. The fine, delicate lines suggest the softness of the old man’s fur-lined coat, while the deeper, bolder lines create a sense of depth and shadow. It is this masterful manipulation of the etching process that gives the print its unique character. Tiepolo’s virtuosity reminds us that printmaking is not just a reproductive technique, but a creative endeavor in its own right.