Drinkende figuren in een herberg 1696 - 1709

Jacob de Later’s Drinkende figuren in een herberg, or Drinking Figures in a Tavern, is an engraving, made using a fine metal plate and acid to create a highly detailed image. The process of engraving allowed de Later to capture the nuances of light and shadow within the tavern scene. Notice how he skillfully depicts the texture of the figures' clothing, the rough-hewn surfaces of the furniture, and the lively expressions on their faces. Each line etched into the plate contributes to the overall atmosphere, giving a tangible quality to the scene. Engraving was a meticulous and laborious craft. Each line had to be carefully planned and executed, requiring skill and patience. The printmaking medium allowed for multiples to be made of an image. This speaks to the growing market economy in which the artwork was produced, and the possibility of distribution to a wider audience. By attending to the materials and making of this print, we can appreciate how the techniques used have imbued the artwork with cultural significance. It challenges any division between fine art and the trades.