An art technique using acid to cut lines into metal plates for printing; the resulting print or artwork.
From Dutch etsen meaning 'to eat,' from German ätzen with the same meaning. The artistic technique developed in the 16th century, with the term reflecting how acid literally 'eats' into the metal surface to create the design.
Etching beautifully captures the artistic process in its name - the acid literally 'eats' the metal, making art through controlled destruction. This printmaking technique revolutionized art reproduction and helped democratize artistic images before photography existed.
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