Spencer Museum of Art The University of Kansas

Stipple Etching Image Map

Image map of Jacques Bellange's Reproductive Stipple Etching
Jacques Bellange French (active 1600-1620)
The Annunciation
Etching with some engraving
Image size: 330mm x 316mm
Museum Purchase, 1991.0062
View full record What to Look for: Bellange made extensive use of stippling to suggest the sensuous and supple characteristics of human flesh. This is achieved by lightly and repeatedly stabbing the grounded etching plate with an etching needle. After the plate is etched each of the little stabs will print as a small dot. The effect of hundreds of these dots is a subtle tonal passage. Bellange combined stippling and normal line etching. For a good example of his stippling click on the angel's elbow, or the Virgin's left hand or neck.