Renoir Etching and Drypoint - Essay Example

College: Dry Point: Picture A closer scrutiny of the picture reveals that it was particularly made using ‘dry point’ method and not ‘etching’. The lines and the contrast of the entire piece of art undisputedly suggest that no acid was used in the picture. Like in the use of burin, acid could have left relatively deeper lines between the objects. The numerous fading and hairy lines give a clear indication of some sort of engraving; the ‘dry point’.There are uncountable features to categorize the method used here as ‘dry point’.

On the foreground are two women comfortably seated as they watch children play, just a stone throw away. Their dresses have been engraved with lines that look wiry and have ends that taper. All other features of on these women depict the same quality of lines. Taking a closer look at the lines, they portray rough scratches made by some sharp pointed object. These lines have been repeatedly scratched on the plate so as to come up with complete images. The objects on the background, seemingly children playing, reveal this act of scratching without leaving distinct lines on the images.

Furthermore, the ridges left after the engraving process are not very regular and deep. The burr, it seems, was not removed during the entire process of incising. From far, an audience may be under the impression that this piece of art is drawing; which is not the case. It is only a colorless ‘dry point’ that can create such a shadowy scratch on a plate. Nonetheless, the use ‘dry point’ has given the picture a feathery touch that may be attractive to most audience.