Portret van Johann Georg Büsch 1818 - 1832

This is a portrait of Johann Georg Büsch by Anton Wachsmann. It's an etching, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed onto paper. The fine lines and tonal gradations are characteristic of this process, and the skills and labor that go into this are worth noting. The artist has to be a master draughtsman, with the ability to render details and textures with precision. They must also be a skilled technician to handle the corrosive acids used in the etching process. The resulting print is a multiple, which reflects the changing nature of art production and consumption at the time. These prints allowed for wider distribution of images, catering to a growing middle class. The act of printing is a relatively democratic art form, offering a glimpse into the social context of the time. It bridges the gap between fine art and the world of craft, and the labor involved in production. Paying attention to the materials, the making, and the context allows us to fully appreciate the significance of this portrait.