OCR Text |
Show so with the discovery of multiplying impressions from engraved plates. It is interesting to note, in passing, that there is a tradition to the effect that drawing was an accidental discovery made by a shepherd. He traced in the sand with the end of his crools. the shadow of a sheep he was tending. Chance ever has been a fruitful mother. Some confusion exists as to the difference between ·etchings and other engravings, and a word regarding them may not b~ amiss. Briefly, an etching is a print from a plate the lines of the design on which have been eaten in by an acid. A drypoint is a print from a plate on -which the lines have been scratched into the copper by a sharp steel needle. A line engraving is one made by gouging out the lines with 24 a sharp instrument called a burin. These plates are printed in the same way, but the results differ. There are softness, and lightness, and variety about the acid-bitten plate and the drypoint that it is impossible to obtain from the line engraving. The latter lacks freedom of line, but more prints can be obtained from plates so engraved. The best etchers draw, bite, and print their own plates. There is much art in the proper biting of a plate. Great variety also can be had in the printing. The greatest of modern etchers Whistler, etched and printed all hi~ best plates. Much vigor and delicacy can be shown in the printing from the copper. Steel engravings are not made today except for our bank notes, which some are able to collect, but which others lack the ability to assemble. The surface of the etched copper- 25 |