Portret van Willem Jacob Herreyns 1822

This print, portraying Willem Jacob Herreyns, was made by Guillaume Philidor Van den Burggraaff. The printmaking process is intriguing. It begins with an artist creating an image on a matrix, here most likely a metal plate. That’s then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Printmaking allows for multiples, which democratizes art by making it more accessible, moving art away from being a precious unique thing. It's not just about the singular image, but about reproduction and distribution. Look closely and you'll notice the texture achieved through lines and dots that create shading and depth. This technique requires meticulous labor, showing the artist’s skill in manipulating the material. What was once considered ‘merely’ reproductive is now understood as a creative practice. Printmaking has a rich history that intersects with commercial production and fine art, challenging traditional hierarchies in the art world.