Contre-épreuve van portret van Kees van Oeveren 1734 - 1785

Jan Stolker created this counterproof portrait of Kees van Oeveren sometime in the 18th century. It is made using engraving, a printmaking technique with a long and rich history. The engraver uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The fine, precise lines you see here are a testament to Stolker's skill. The process demanded careful planning, as every line contributes to the overall image, building up tone and texture. What’s interesting is that printmaking was not always considered a "high art" and the perception of it was often linked to its function: the efficient reproduction of images. Yet, the artistry lies in the way the engraver coaxes the metal into life, transforming a utilitarian process into something beautiful. By focusing on the labor and skill involved in its production, we can appreciate how printmaking bridges the gap between craft and fine art, challenging traditional hierarchies.