Buste van vrouw met opgestoken haar 1694 - 1751

This is a small etching by Frans Decker, made sometime in the first half of the 18th century. Note how Decker used the etching technique, biting the metal plate with acid to create recessed lines that would hold ink. Think about the labor involved in creating this image. The fine lines and shading were achieved through careful, precise work with specialized tools. Decker would have needed a steady hand and years of training to master this level of detail. Etchings like this were often produced in multiples, allowing for wider distribution and consumption. Here, the material and process are essential to understanding the work's function as a reproducible image, blurring the lines between art, craft, and early forms of mass production. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images can carry complex histories of skill, labor, and social context.