Etching

What is etching?

Etching is a printmaking process. The purpose of this technique is to apply an impression on the paper with an etched plate. The manufacturing process requires a special needle which it’s going to be used to draw on a metal plate. Then the plate is treated with acid - which produces incised lines, and ink. In the end, the plate is used to print reproductions of the design.

Photo of etching tools Courtesy of the artist Liz Zanis - THE SPACE gallery

Photo of etching tools

Courtesy of the artist Liz Zanis (American) and the MET, New-York, USA

Etching is a part of the Intaglio printmaking method. It is the reference to all the printmaking techniques which are using indents or incisions into a plate or print surface such as:

Engraving
Drypoint
Mezzotint
Aquatint
Stipple
Lithography
Silkscreen Printing

Etching process in History…

If etching was commonly used in Antiquity as a decorative tool for jewellery, the etching process was invented by Daniel Hopfer. Hopfer was a craftsman who decorated armour, and applied the method to printmaking, using iron plates.

In the 17th century, artists used 3 different types of techniques: copper engraving, drypoint and etching. Each technique processes the same way but with some particularities:

Copper engraving is the oldest process and was the most used during the Renaissance. The process is difficult and required a strong metal-working skill because it involves carving directly on the copper plate.
The Drypoint process involves a needle also called a burin, used to carve the plate.

Etching was the solution for those without a metal-working background.

‘Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open Mouthed’ by Rembrandt van Rijn - 1630 - THE SPACE gallery

‘Self-Portrait in a Cap, Open Mouthed’ by Rembrandt van Rijn - 1630.

Courtesy of Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA, USA

The 17th century is known as the great age of etching, with Rembrandt for example.

‘Vedute di Roma’ by Giovanni Battista Piranesi - 1750-78 - THE SPACE gallery

‘Vedute di Roma’ by Giovanni Battista Piranesi - 1750/78.

Courtesy of the MET, New-York, USA

In the 18th century, Piranesi, Tiepolo and Daniel Chodowiecki were famous etchers.

‘At The Piano’ by Anders Zorn - 1900 - THE SPACE gallery

‘At The Piano’ by Anders Zorn - 1900.

Courtesy of the MET, New-York, USA

From 1850 to 1930, the Etching remerge especially in France, Britain and the United-States produced artists, but no major figures appeared. Etching is still widely practised today.

Etching was used in magazine like La Mode Illustrée, a French magazine with hand painted fashion prints. Artwork created in 1867.