Plate 11

About this artwork

**Plate 11 from Per Kirkeby's 1993 Portfolio** Per Kirkeby, a Danish artist (1938–2018) renowned for his abstract, gestural works inspired by nature, geology, and Nordic landscapes, created *Plate 11* as of a portfolio of 18 prints with a title page. Produced in 1993, this intimate drypoint and etching reflects Kirkeby's-career exploration of print, bridging his monumental paintings and sculptures with the precision of graphic media. Housed in the National Gallery of Art's collection through a gift from pioneering print publisher Kathan Brown—founder of Crown Point Press—the portfolio underscores the collaborative spirit of fine art printing in the late 20th century. The plate measures a modest 12.1 x 14.6 cm, printed on luxurious Somerset Textured White paper (sheet: 26.7 x 33 cm), which enhances the tactile quality of Kirkeby's marks. Drypoint involves scratching directly into the metal plate, producing velvety burr lines for organic texture, while etching uses acid to define precise forms, and scraping adds luminous highlights—techniques that evoke Kirkeby's fascination with erosion and stratified earth. These methods allow for rich, layered depths on a small scale, inviting viewers to trace the artist's hand in every furrow and shadow. As one of 18 plates, *Plate 11* exemplifies how print portfolios democratize complex artistry, making Kirkeby's expressive abstraction accessible. A gem for print enthusiasts, it celebrates the enduring dialogue between artist, technician, and viewer in modern graphic traditions.