Oude man met baard en muts 1764

This print, "Oude man met baard en muts", was made by Antoine de Marcenay de Ghuy using etching, a printmaking process dependent on acid, metal, and immense skill. The image is built up from a network of tiny etched lines, a testament to the amount of labor involved. The acid bites into the metal to different depths creating a broad range of tones, from the blackest shadows to the subtlest grays on the man's face. The etched lines give texture to the beard and hat, lending a tactile quality to the image. The beauty of the print relies on the artist's mastery of technique. Lines create the illusion of light and shadow, volume and depth. The artist's hand guides the tools, controlling the acid's corrosive power. Each print pulled from the plate bears witness to this skilled process. Looking at this etching, we see the social context of artistic creation, the role of skilled labor, and the meeting of craft and fine art.