Impression
john clare
The copper plate was cranked through the roller press
The thick paper absorbed the ink from the acid etched lines
Lifting the print an embossed impression was left
The plate re-inked and pressed through another time
After the two artist's proofs
van Riin made his limited edition
Ten impressions from the lines so delicate
Each successive run of press the lines fading
He then destroyed the precious plate
Leaving ten gem-like masterpieces.
Forgotten van Riin later died and was buried in an
unmarked grave
Broke, the contents of the artist sold at auction
The prints were sold for a few guilders
Priceless today...
Impressions made at first
are not always what they seem.
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