Etching is a type of engraving and printing technique

Etching is a type of metal engraving, an ancient deep printing technique using the acid-etching method on printing plates. The etching technique allows for the production of a large number of high-quality impressions (prints) on paper from etched plates.

Etching. Daniel Hopfer. Three Landsknechts, 1530

Distinctive features and a brief history of etching

Etching emerged in the early 16th century in Germany as an alternative technique for creating printing plates. In the traditional method of plate processing, the artist had to exert significant pressure with a burin on the metal to achieve a detailed image.

Etching. John Ingram. The Game of Chinese Chess, 1741-1763

Etching is done by pre-treating the plate with acid-resistant varnish. This significantly simplifies the process of creating a drawing. The engraver processes the varnish layer with minimal physical effort using a cutting tool, and then acid etches the metal to the desired depth.

Thanks to the use of this new technique, artists were able to create more expressive images on solid metal. This allowed for the transmission of various tonal shades in the printed impression.

Etching. Jacques Callot. The Large Hunt

The first artistic etchings, produced in Augsburg by Daniel Hopfer, date back to the year 1501. Shortly thereafter, the prominent Renaissance painter Albrecht Dürer became fascinated with this new form of printmaking. He created numerous magnificent engravings on steel and copper plates.

But the art of etching reached its peak popularity in the 17th century in the Netherlands. A significant contribution to the development of this type of graphic art was made by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. In France, around 1500 engravings were created by Jacques Callot, while in Italy, notable etching masters included Guido Reni and José Ribera.

Etching. Rembrandt. Hundred Guilder Print, 1643-1649

At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, Francisco Goya produced several series of famous engravings. Subsequently, prominent Impressionist artists often turned to this graphic technique in their creative endeavors:

• Claude Monet.
• Camille Pissarro.
• Auguste Renoir.
• Paul Cézanne.

In the 20th century, with the development of the chemical industry, it became possible to replace toxic components with less harmful etching substances: beeswax and acrylates.

Etching. Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. From the Disasters of War Series, 1810-1820

On the Very Important Lot portal, you can participate in auctions to acquire engravings, paintings, and antiques. Collectors also buy works directly from contemporary artists here.