Etching is an old art technique that uses an acid to “bite” away metal and create a certain design. It was first used to decorate metal armor, a process that dates back to Ancient Greece and even Egypt. After a time of being “lost” in the Dark Ages, armor etching was rediscovered in Medieval Europe. It soared in popularity by the 13th century. Customers flocked to exclusive armor etchers in southern Germany and northern Italy, who were revered like today’s famous fashion designers. These skilled artisans made the etchings by coating metal armor in a protective wax. Then they drew the design into the wax with a tool and dipped the armor into a weak acid. The acid “bites” the exposed metal and creates the design.
If you've ever turned over a piece of jewelry and noticed a tiny stamp reading 925, you may have wondered what it means. Is it real silver? Is it valuable? And what's the difference between sterling, coin silver, and pure silver?
At the heart of the etching genre lies its mastery of intricate detail, the kind that’s perfect for depicting illustrations and the lives of people across the ages in candidness and accuracy.
An award-winning master artist, teacher, and wildlife enthusiast, David Hunter enjoys demonstrating the craft of depicting animals and the great outdoors in his etchings. His wonderful interpretations of the Outer Banks are no exception, and they often herald the celebration of classic American summers and their natural settings.
