Zittende man met stok 1828

Curator: This is a piece entitled "Zittende man met stok," or "Sitting Man with a Stick," etched by Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man in 1828. It's interesting how this image has been realized. Editor: It's such a simple portrait, yet there's something quite charming about the man’s rather knowing expression. It seems almost like a caricature, in a way. What is your reading of it? Curator: From a materialist perspective, it’s fascinating to consider this etching not just as a portrait but as a product of its time. Think about the process involved. Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man, created the drawing, which required materials like the etching plate, acids, and specialized tools. Then he transferred it to the etching, from which all copies originate. The material components define the form and content of the image. How do you see the choice of etching influencing the piece's overall effect? Editor: I see that! The etching process lends itself to fine detail, evident in the texture of his clothing and the shading of his face. This creates a tangible feeling – you can almost imagine running your fingers over the etched lines. Curator: Precisely. And this tactile quality connects us to the labor involved in its creation, something often overlooked. Think about the intended audience – who would have consumed prints like these and in what contexts? Also, the production means a deconstruction of the concept of singularity regarding the image. Editor: Knowing how it was produced and for whom does offer a fresh outlook! I am wondering now who printed it and under which conditions. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about these practical concerns opens up a wider field to inquiry beyond mere aesthetics, leading to deeper meaning-making about the artwork and its role. Editor: I agree. I will start thinking in terms of labour and materials from now on!