Zelfportret van Pieter Louw 1743 - 1760

Pieter Louw made this self-portrait using a printmaking technique. It is known as mezzotint, sometime in the late 18th century. This technique involves preparing a copper plate to hold ink by uniformly roughening its surface. A tool called a rocker is used to create tiny indentations, ensuring that if inked, the plate would print solid black. The image is then created by selectively smoothing areas of the plate with burnishers and scrapers, allowing these areas to hold less ink and print lighter tones. Louw's mastery is evident in the subtle gradations of light and shadow. Note the velvety blacks of his cap and coat which contrast with the delicate highlights on his face. This wasn't just about artistic skill; it was about the labor-intensive process of manipulating the plate. Each mark is the result of careful work, a testament to the value placed on craft and skill. Looking at this print, we can appreciate not only the final image, but the history of labor and skill embedded within its very surface.