Saint Michael's Island - Limited Edition of 5 Print

This hand pulled etching is based on an 1889 photograph taken at Mont San Michele in France by Giovanni Di Falco, the artist’s paternal grandfather. Jerry Di Falco executed two drawings in graphite of this photo before etching onto his zinc plate, which was then developed in three baths of Nitric acid. This specific etching is from the Final of Four Editions, and each edition is limited to five prints. Media include a blend of oil base etching inks on RivesBFK white paper with a Thai mulberry bark paper color overlay. The mulberry bark paper was treated with methylcellulose and also infused with kozo threads from Japan. The intimate image size measures six inches high by four inches wide; the paper size is about ten inches by eleven inches. The wood and glass frame measures about twelve inches by nine inches. This edition was printed in February of 2020 at The Center for Works on Paper within Fleisher Art School’s Open Printmaking Studio in Philadelphia. The first two editions were created in October of 2019. Fleisher is associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania, United States. Notes on the Chine Collé Process—Chine Collé, which translates from French as Chinese pasting, is a process in which colored and treated paper is attached to the already inked and wiped etching plate before the printing press is activated. First, Di Falco mixes Methylcellulose powder with spring water and then paints the resulting clear viscous substance onto hand-dyed mulberry-bark paper (Unruyu brand) from Thailand. In Japan, Unryu translates as CLOUD DRAGON paper because it has long swirling threads of kozo fibers integrated in it, thereby giving the texture and visual effect of clouds. Kozo fibers come the branches of the kozo bush, specifically the innermost of three layers of bark, which must be removed, cooked, and beaten before the sheets are formed. Kozo is harvested annually. The treated Thai paper is then allowed to dry overnight. Next, DiFalco creates acetate stencils that exactly match the plate areas where he desires color. He then draws in pencil from these stencils onto the treated mulberry bark paper and hand cuts each shape, which fit the plate areas exactly. These cut shapes are then dampened with water and place on the inked etching plate. The etching paper is then placed over the zinc plate and covered with additional paper and the press-bed blankets. The entire bed is then rolled through the printing press, resulting in a multi-colored etching.

Print:Giclee on Fine Art Paper

Size:8 W x 12 H x 0.1 D in

Size with Frame:13.25 W x 17.25 H x 1.2 D in

Delivery Time:Typically 5-7 business days for domestic shipments, 10-14 business days for international shipments.