The subject of this large etching is the breaking up of one of England’s
famous old ships of war, called the Agamemnon. Haden was not only a
surgeon eminent in his profession, but also one of the greatest of English
etchers. The revival of interest in etching during the XIX century in
England was largely due to his efforts. Characteristic works of Whistler
and Meryon are illustrated below.
[Weary, Dry-point, by James McNeil Whistler, 1834-1903]