What is Etching?

Etching is an art form using the process of biting lines or areas onto a metal plate by means of an acid, with a view to being printed.  Lines may be etched onto a metal plate without its being printed, as an art form itself as a decorative purpose, but normally the metal plate is used as a printing device. 

Etching differs from line engraving by the process by which the lines are incised.  In engraving an instrument is used to scoop a shaving out of the metal.  Etching uses a chemical action.  A print from an etching is distinguished from an engraved print by the fact that in an etching the lines do not diminish or increase gradually in thickness, but do so in a more (or less) abrupt stage and the endings of the lines are square.  In an engraving the ends of the lines tend to tape gradually to an end.  Engraving and etching have been used in conjunction with one another throughout history. 

There is another facet of etching as well, called dry point.  This is the process of scratching a line directly on the metal plate surface using an etching needle.  In its passage the needles leaves an irregular ridge on either side of the line creating a 'burr' to which the ink adheres to create a blurred effect.  This effect is often used as another aspect of the etching technique.

Etching was probably invented (as with engraving) north of the Alps, and the greatest works of this process appeared in Germany, France and England, as well as the Netherlands.  Its beginnings appeared as early as the 15th century and at the end of 17th century it was used as means of decorating metal, particularly armor.  It seems probable that the earliest works came from goldsmiths and the idea of printing from the plates came from them as well.

Many artists throughout history have used the etching process in their artistic endeavors.  Francisco Goya (1746 - 1828) is one notable artist that used this technique in his art works.  In France, Theodore Rousseau (1812 - 1867), Charles Jacque (1813 - 1894), and C. F. Daubigny (1817 - 1878) are among many other famour artists, which also include Rembrant.

Today etching is still used as an art form by many artists.  Copper offers the most suitable surface for etching, but zinc is widely used as well.  Iron can also be used with nitric acid, but it is highly susceptible to atmospheric conditions.  The best thickness for etching plates is 16 to 18 gauge.  Thinner plates tend to buckle under the etching process.








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