Analysis Of Edward Hopper's Intaglio Printmaking

Edward Hopper’s Intaglio Printmaking Process:
In-depth Overview of His Technique Intaglio is a printmaking process that involves making an incision into a metal surface, usually on copper or zinc plates. Renowned American painter and printmaker Edward Hopper uses the etching technique for his prints such as the Night Shadows (figure 1) and Evening Wind (figure 2). In this research paper, I will be going over the intaglio printmaking process that Edward Hopper used but before that I will give a brief history of its origin. The intaglio printmaking technique supposedly originates from Europe. The intaglio printmaking process most likely derived from the engraving processes all the European goldsmiths were familiar with at the time especially
After the material is applied, Hopper will then place his completed sketch on top of the metal plate and trace the lines with an etching needle. This will cause the plate to be exposed where the lines are traced. Then the plate is submerged in acid, where the acid ‘bites’ into the exposed surface of the metallic plate, a term used for this printmaking process to describe the making of the incisions. The longer it is left in the acid bath, the deeper the cuts will be. When Hopper is satisfied with the amount of biting, he will then take the plate out and remove the ground for the inking process. The ink is then forced in to the incisions either by wiping or dabbing. Afterwards, the excess ink is wiped away using a cloth or newspaper. Finally, a damped piece of paper is placed on top of the plate, which is then pressed, creating a print (“Edward
There are lots of dynamics involved. Hopper undoubtedly created a good spatial illusion using values and movement in this piece as well. It invades the privacy of a woman who is completely nude in her bedroom. The overall feeling or mood of this print is mysterious supplemented with some kind of fear or anxiety that only is magnified with Hopper’s placement of his crosshatches and the lack thereof. The woman is seen facing the window while the curtains are being blown toward her way. The strong sudden contrast between light and dark helps the viewers feel like they are up close to the woman, which adds on to the notion that the woman is being watched. This strangely makes the viewers feel unease