Les Hirondelles (The Swallows)

About this work

This print shows a flock of swallows flying over a wet field. Tall grass and bushes line the edges, and the sky is mostly empty except for the birds. The lines are loose and sketchy, with some areas left lighter for contrast. The artist used a technique that lets ink sit in the grooves of the plate, creating sharp lines and shadows. This was done by hand, not painted on canvas. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this made prints before photography.