Twee vrouwenhoofden 1773 - 1777

Jean François Janinet produced these 'Two Female Heads' using the technique of etching, a printmaking process that's all about controlled corrosion. Here, the artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. Then, using a sharp needle, he’d carefully draw these portraits, exposing the metal beneath. Immersing the plate in acid would bite into the lines, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the image. The result is a delicate, yet precise depiction. Notice the subtle gradations of tone, achieved by varying the density and depth of the etched lines. This wasn't just about mass production; it was a skilled craft, demanding careful artistry. Prints like this were part of a burgeoning market, catering to a public with a growing appetite for art. This print shows us that even in so-called fine art, we see the traces of labor, materials, and a commercial marketplace.