Portret van de kunstenaar Johannes Janson, tekenend c. 1769 - 1787

Louis Bernard Coclers created this etching, “Portrait of the Artist Johannes Janson, Drawing,” using the subtractive process of etching. A metal plate would have been coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, through which the artist scratched his composition. Immersed in acid, the exposed lines would then bite into the metal, creating grooves to hold ink. What I find fascinating here is how the quality of the line, and the fineness of its rendering, really influences how we understand the work. Look at the texture of the paper, the subject's wig, the soft fall of the light. Each of these effects depended entirely on Cocler’s command of his materials. And it's no accident that he depicts his subject holding a ruler and quill! This is an image that elevates drawing to the status of science. So, next time you encounter an etching, remember to consider the labor, the skill, and the deliberate choices that bring such intricate detail to life. It serves as a reminder of the power of craft and the artistry embedded in every line.