The Art of Etching

By E.S. Lumsden and Ernest S. Lumsden

Book Overview

Surveys the works and methods of major artists and provides instruction in a variety of etching techniques.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486200493
• ISBN13: 9780486200491
• Release Date: January 2012
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Great intro

Perhaps the title should have been "The Art and Artists ..." No matter, it's a good one anyway. First published in the 1920s, this gives a lively, opinionated view of the etching process and art. The first half of the book is about the technique, tools, and materials of the etcher. It's strong on recipes for grounds, and good about basic technique. It's a bit vague about the press and about pulling an impression, and doesn't cover the range of etching processes that other how-to books do, however. Drypoint is mentioned, and Lumsden gives an uncommonly good description of how a drypoint mark is properly made - or improperly. The next section of the book is a whirlwind tour of the history of etching, from the late 15th century up to Lumsden's present day (ca. 1925). A few artists get special attention, notably Rembrandt, Durer, and his beloved Whistler. I fault this only for the indifferent quality of the reproductions - here, as in the how-to section, the images are too blurred for the real character of each print to stand out. The last 60 pages or so include one- and two-page notes by Lumsden's contemporaries. These are especially interesting for their details of materials, etchants, and etching schedules. I know of no other source that goes into such detail about the etching time need for marks with up to about a dozen different intensities. The historical notes are good, but the how-to section is decidedly dated. The first person tone of the book is unique, though, as are some of the historical and practical notes. This isn't the first book for a print-lover or -maker, but certainly has a place in any collection on prints and printmaking. //wiredweird

Classic Reference for Etchers

This was the foundational reference I used in college in 1962 and it remains as a classical "must" for any artist's reference library.