The Genius of Salvator Rosa

The Genius of Salvator Rosa

Salvator Rosa

1644

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This black-and-white print shows a group of five people in a rocky, outdoor setting. Some are sitting, some are standing, and one person is holding a small child. Trees and bushes fill the background, and the scene feels dramatic. The lines are sharp, with lots of cross-hatching to show texture. The artist used a technique called *etching*, where acid bites into a metal plate to create the lines. This method lets them layer shadows and details. Look up etching to see how it works.

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