Artwork
Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl. V
Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl. V is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Antonio Baratta. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl.
About this work
Overview
Gravure, Maniere de faire mordre à l'eau-forte: pl. V is an 18th-century engraving by Antonio Baratta, dated to 1775, executed on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts the technical process of creating an engraving, illustrating various stages and tools of the craft, including a press, acid tray, and examples of finished prints, such as a garden scene.
Technique & Style
The work demonstrates Baratta's manual dexterity, with all lines drawn by hand before being transferred to metal plates. The engraving process involved applying acid to exposed metal areas, not protected by the hand-drawn lines, to create the final printed design.
History & Provenance
Created in 1775 by Antonio Baratta, the engraving's provenance and historical context beyond its creation are not detailed in available information.
Context
This piece likely served as an instructional guide for artists and printers, offering a visual tutorial on the intaglio engraving technique, specifically the 'à l'eau-forte' (aquafortis) method.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable legacy of this particular engraving is not highlighted, it contributes to the broader educational and technical documentation of 18th-century printmaking practices.
Artist & collection
