The One Hoss Shay
1884
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1884
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This etching shows a wooden wagon wheel with spokes that look almost too thin for the heavy rim. The artist used drypoint to scratch fine lines into a metal plate, then inked it so the shadows feel deep and rich. The wheel seems to roll right off the page. Drypoint is a tricky technique. The artist scratches the plate, and ink collects in those grooves, making dark, velvety lines. Here, the lines feel soft but sharp at the same time. Check out Shelton, William Henry for more works like this.
