ETCHING REVIVAL Meaning and
Definition
-
The term "etching revival" refers to a significant period in the history of printmaking, primarily etching, that emerged during the late 19th century. It denotes a resurgence in the popularity and practice of the etching technique, following its decline in the early 19th century due to the dominance of lithography and other forms of reproductive printmaking.
During the etching revival, artists and printmakers sought to revive and re-evaluate the art of etching, aiming to restore its significance as a medium for artistic expression. They explored and experimented with various technical advancements and innovations, reintroducing the traditional methods of etching while also incorporating new techniques and materials.
The revival was driven by a desire to move away from the mechanical reproductive methods, such as lithography and photography, which were increasingly used commercially. Artists sought to reconnect with the authenticity, spontaneity, and uniqueness that etching offered as a medium, allowing for more creative freedom and expression.
This movement led to the establishment of smaller, specialized workshops and societies that promoted etching as an art form. Prominent artists and etchers of the time, such as James McNeill Whistler, Maxime Lalanne, and Francis Seymour Haden, played pivotal roles in this revival by producing remarkable etchings and advocating for the importance of originality and artistic skill in the medium.
Overall, the etching revival represented a pivotal era where artists rekindled their interest in etching as a distinct and expressive printmaking technique, challenging the prevailing dominance of commercial reproductive methods à la lithography, and reigniting a passion for the craftsmanship and artistic merits of the etched print.
Etymology of ETCHING REVIVAL
The etymology of the phrase "etching revival" can be understood by examining the origins of its individual components.
1. Etching: The word "etching" originated from the Middle Dutch word "etsen" and Middle Low German word "ëtzen", both meaning "to eat" or "to corrode". This term was used in reference to the technique of engraving or incising a design onto a metal plate using acid or corrosive substances.
2. Revival: The word "revival" originated from the Latin word "revivere", which means "to live again" or "to come back to life". It is a noun form of the verb "revive", which ultimately traces back to the Latin word "vivere", meaning "to live".
