What is an original etching?
It is not a reproduction, but an authentic, precious work of art: an original! The Etching process was developed in Germany in the 16th century. “Etching”involves the use of acid to eat or etch into metal plates (copper or zinc). We shall limit our reference to etching to that of “line etching”. Etching involves coating the plate surface with a protective coating called ground. Ground, normally beewax based substance, is impervious to caustic action of the acid. Once the ground has hardened on the plate the artist works the plate with sharpened tools like etching needles, skimming across the surface the plate with just enough pressure to remove the protective ground and expose areas of the metal. Once placed in a bath of acid, the unprotected, exposed areas of plate are attacked by the acid. The longer the plate remains and stronger the acid solution, the deeper the “bite” will be. Once the plate has been etched to the satisfaction of the artist, the ground is washed from the plate wit
