Zes mannenhoofden met pruiken en hoeden 1704

Bernard Picart made this print, ‘Six Men’s Heads with Wigs and Hats,’ in the early 18th century using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid. Picart would have coated a metal plate with a waxy substance, scratched an image into it, and then bathed the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves that hold ink. It's a craft with its own distinct aesthetic. The thin, precise lines, and the way the acid creates a slightly rough texture, give the print a unique visual quality. The subject matter also speaks volumes. Wigs and hats in this period were not just fashion accessories. They were potent symbols of status and profession. By depicting these men, Picart gives us a glimpse into the social hierarchy of his time. He shows how the very materials people wore were loaded with cultural meaning. Recognizing this, we appreciate the print not just as a work of art, but as a social document.