Heren in gesprek tijdens het diner 1781

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this small print using engraving, likely sometime in the late 18th century. Consider how the character of the engraving influences our perception of the scene. Look closely, and you'll notice that the image is composed of thousands of tiny lines, etched into a copper plate with specialized tools. The artist would have painstakingly controlled the depth and spacing of each line to create the illusion of light, shadow, and texture. This printmaking process, though highly skilled, allowed for relatively easy reproduction and distribution. It democratized access to images at a time when paintings were only available to the wealthy. In that sense, the medium of engraving is closely tied to the social and political transformations of the Enlightenment, allowing new ideas and images to circulate widely. So, as you look at this image, remember that the material and the means of its production are inseparable from its meaning, and think about how its status is intrinsically linked to the broader social and economic context of its time.