2023-02-01
Both etching and aquatint artists etch a metal plate, usually copper, with nitric acid. The two techniques are similar, but there are some differences. It is worth learning about them, as both techniques have been used by some of the world's most famous and gifted artists.
To make a print, a copper or zinc sheet is needed, which is covered with an acid-resistant varnish. A drawing is made on it using a steel needle. The plate is then immersed in a 10% nitric acid solution, which etches the material in the areas exposed by the stylus. The print resembles a pen drawing.
This method was first used by Wenceslas of Olomouc (1480-1500) and Daniel Hopfer around 1510. Etching was often combined with other intaglio techniques, such as copperplate (e.g. Rembrandt) or aquatint (e.g. Francisco Goya).
Aquatint differs from etching primarily in that it is not lines but areas that are etched. A metal plate is covered with powdered rosin or asphalt dust, which, when heated, melts and adheres to the plate. When etched, the effect obtained is that of bright dots on a dark background. Up to about a hundred prints can be produced using the aquatint technique. Prints made with aquatint are reminiscent of watercolours or ink drawings.
Aquatint was invented by Jean Babtiste Le Prince (1733-1781), who wanted to reproduce lavatint sketches from his travels in Russia. Pierre F. Charpentier is also considered an independent inventor. The foundations of colour aquatint were laid by J.C. Le Blon, who used three plates of primary colours to print around 1710. In the 18th century, colour aquatint mainly was used for reproductions of paintings and drawings. In the 19th century, the aquatint technique was developed by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes.
The lower the number of a print, the higher its value. This is due to the wear process of the matrix during printing. As the matrix is pressed repeatedly, the drawing becomes less legible.