Portret van Jonas Daniël Meijer c. 1837 - 1840

This is a portrait of Jonas Daniël Meijer, rendered by N.M. Schild as an engraving. This process involves meticulous carving into a metal plate, typically copper, using a tool called a burin to create fine lines. Consider the precision and control this requires. The engraver must translate the likeness of the subject into a network of lines, using their thickness and density to create tonal variation. The image is not simply drawn, but rather physically impressed upon the material. This isn't just a mimetic exercise; it's about control, labor, and the transformation of material. Printing then transfers this incised image onto paper. The fine lines of the engraving allow for the creation of multiple prints, making the image more widely accessible. This democratization of imagery aligns with the broader social changes of the time, yet it also reflects the engraver's skill and the labour involved in creating this reproducible image. Paying attention to these materials and processes enables us to go beyond the surface representation. It challenges distinctions between craft and art, highlighting the skill and labour invested in this compelling portrait.