The Solo

Art Historical Context

**The Solo** (1888) by Frederick. Spiegle is a striking example of late 19th-century printmaking housed in the National Gallery of's Reba and Dave Williams Collection This generous gift captures the technical mastery of etching and drypoint a grand scale: the image measures 548 x365 mm within a 643 x 432 mm sheet. Created during a period when printmakers pushed the boundaries of reproductive art toward original expression, Spiegle's work reflects the era's fascination with intimate, evocative scenes. Etching involves drawing through a wax ground on a metal plate, allowing acid to bite fine lines for precise detail, while drypoint adds direct, incised strokes that raise a soft burr—producing rich, velvety tones and texture unique to intaglio printing. This combination lent *The Solo* a dramatic depth, ideal for conveying solitary moments of focus, as suggested by its title. Spiegle, an American artist active in the etching revival, contributed to a movement that democratized fine art through affordable yet sophisticated prints. Visitors to the NGA's CG-W department will appreciate how *The Solo* bridges technical innovation with emotional resonance, inviting us to linger on the artistry of isolation and performance in Gilded Age America.