Portret van Simon Fokke 1796

This portrait of Simon Fokke was made by Jacobus Wijsman, using an engraving technique. Look closely, and you’ll see how the image is built up from tiny lines, etched into a metal plate. The density and direction of these lines create a tonal range, bringing Fokke’s face and elaborate wig to life. It's a painstaking process, demanding immense skill and concentration. Engraving was a key method for reproducing images at this time. Think about the labor involved; each line carefully planned and executed. The rise of printmaking was closely tied to expanding markets and a growing reading public. It's fascinating to consider how such a detailed, handcrafted process played a role in the wider world of commerce and communication. By attending to how things are made, we can see the imprint of social context in every line.