Etching and aquatint of a pair of eyes
- Artist: Amy-Jane Blackhall
- Artist: Tristan Reid
- Date: 2022
- Medium: etching
- Dimensions: 3 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (98 mm x 148 mm) plate size; 6 in. x 8 in. (153 mm x 203 mm) paper size
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
Before you is an intimate print that zooms in on a pair of eyes. The etched lines capture the irises, lashes, and pupils with fine precision, while the aquatint layers give the surrounding skin and shadows depth and texture. Notice how the two techniques play off each other: crisp linework against soft tonal washes. The piece was created by Tristan Reid in 2022 and printed by Amy‑Jane Blackhall, who has worked on many portrait prints for the National Portrait Gallery. This small, 6 × 8‑inch print shows contemporary printmaking that blends detailed etching with rich aquatint shading.
See it in person
Etching and aquatint of a pair of eyes is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
