Portret van Jean-Jacques Rousseau 1729 - 1788

This is a portrait of Jean-Jacques Rousseau by Etienne Ficquet, and it was made using engraving, a printmaking process with a long history. The image is created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing paper against it. The material reality of this technique influences its appearance. The depth and spacing of the lines determine the tones and textures we see. Look closely and you will see how the lines Ficquet used build up the forms of Rousseau's face, clothing, and the surrounding objects. The controlled, precise nature of engraving lends itself well to portraiture, and to the detailed rendering of fabric and ornament. Engraving demands a high level of skill and patience. This print reflects a workshop setting and a social context where meticulous craftsmanship was valued, as well as the intellectual life represented by Rousseau's book. By appreciating the labor and expertise involved in its production, we can better understand its cultural significance.