Portret van H. Antonius van Hoornaar 1617 - 1618

Jacob Matham made this portrait of H. Antonius van Hoornaar using engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate. Look closely, and you will notice the texture of closely placed lines and marks, skillfully employed to model form and create areas of dark and light. The process begins with a polished metal plate, traditionally copper. Using a tool called a burin, the artist incises lines directly into the metal. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines. The surface is wiped clean, and the print is made by pressing paper against the plate, transferring the ink from the grooves to the paper. Engraving demands precision and control. The varying depth and thickness of the lines determine the tonal range and visual texture of the final print. Matham's mastery of the technique allows him to capture the likeness and character of the sitter, while also demonstrating the value of skilled labor within the expanding print culture of the time. It is a reminder that even seemingly simple images involve a complex relationship between hand, tool, and material.