To make an etching, a type of print, an
artist begins by drawing a design on a wax-coated metal plate using an etching
needle. Wherever the needle touches the
plate, it removes wax and exposes metal.
Once the design is finished, the plate is placed in an acid bath, which
“bites” indentations into the exposed metal areas.
The plate is later inked and wiped clean,
leaving ink in the indentations only.
When paper is pressed firmly against the plate, the ink adheres to it,
creating the design.
The first dated etching is from 1513. Rembrandt (1606-1669) is often considered the master of
etching.
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| A Rembrandt self-portrait etching dating to 1630. |
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