Portret van Charles Rollin before 1839

This is Pierre François Bertonnier's portrait of Charles Rollin, made with etching and engraving techniques on paper. The printmaking processes give this work a rich texture despite its monochrome palette. Look closely, and you will see how the lines create shading and volume, particularly in Rollin's wig and clerical garb. The image's inherent qualities of tone, weight, and form result from the controlled and precise application of the etching and engraving tools, and are a testament to Bertonnier's expertise. Bertonnier clearly engaged with skilled traditions of both engraving and etching. These processes were not merely reproductive, but a creative practice and aesthetic, alongside that of craft and fine arts. The labor-intensive nature of etching and engraving highlights the value placed on skilled handwork in the production of images during this period. Considering its materiality, technique, and cultural context deepens our understanding of this portrait, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.