The Genius of Salvator Rosa
1644
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1644
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
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.