Skip to main content

Eau-forte XX

Pierre Soulages

Artwork Details

Eau-forte XX
1972
Pierre Soulages
aquatint and etching on paper
19 13/16 in x 25 15/16 in (50.3 cm x 65.9 cm);27 in x 34 in (68.6 cm x 86.4 cm)
Museum Purchase
1973/2.3

Description

Subject Matter:

Pierre Soulages began experimenting with etchings and engravings such as this one in the 1950s.  At first, the works were extremely reminiscent of the calligraphic forms of his earlier paintings.  However, as he gained more experience with the medium, he used printmaking as a way to experiment with the effects of the process.  Here, he has allowed the acid involved in the etching process to purposefully errode various portions of the composition that would have otherwise been inked. He applied a varnish over the ink as well, experimenting with the different ways in which this would effect the black color. Though printmaking was a controlled process for Soulages, he viewed the effects and results of this technical endeavor as a form of artistic expression in its own right.

Physical Description:

This etching of a non-representational form resembles a wide ribbon, shaped almost like the number 4.  It is brownish in color with touches of black throughout, especially coming through around the edges. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.