GraphicAtlas breaks down the process of intalio printing and shows some great examples of methods of shading etched artwork with the stippling method.
Most stippling is done by flicking out small bits metal from a flat surface with a burin. This tool has a sharp-ended short metal shaft and a mushroom-shaped end that fits into the palm. Browsing through the image search of stippling methods, I came across a sketch of a disfigured hand. The hand belonged to Hendrik Goltzius, a famous etching artist. His hand was malformed, but he still retained enough use to be able to use the burin as an etching tool. Reading the Wikipedia page, I came across this interesting paragraph:
At the age of 21 he married a widow somewhat advanced in years, whose money enabled him to establish an independent business at Haarlem; but his unpleasant relations with her so affected his health that he found it advisable in 1590 to make a tour through Germany to Italy, where he acquired an intense admiration for the works of Michelangelo. He returned to Haarlem in August 1591, considerably improved in health, and worked there until his death.
Imaging having a marriage so bad that it affected your health…and the solution was an art study tour that led through several countries!
You must be logged in to post a comment.