Lone Tree 

Ernest Haskell created this print, titled "Lone Tree," likely in the early 20th century, using etching. This intaglio process involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to be transferred to paper. Notice how the etched lines define the tree's gnarled form and create a sense of depth. Haskell expertly uses the technique to capture the rough texture of the bark and the delicate, almost skeletal branches. The lone tree, stark against the sky, evokes a sense of resilience and isolation. Printmaking, like photography, was seen as a more democratic art form, capable of mass production and distribution. While the original etching required skilled labor, the resulting prints made art more accessible. Haskell's choice of subject matter, a solitary tree, perhaps reflects a desire to find beauty in the ordinary. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can better appreciate Haskell's artistic skill and the cultural context in which this print was made.