Portret van Jacob Spex 1755

Jacob Houbraken created this portrait of Jacob Spex using engraving, a printmaking technique with a rich history tied to the rise of mass media. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the design is cut using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure, creating a reversed image of the original design. The crisp lines and fine details we see here are a testament to the engraver's skill. Engraving allowed for the reproduction of images on a scale previously unimaginable. This had a democratizing effect, making art and information accessible to a wider audience. However, the labor-intensive nature of the craft also highlights the complex relationship between art, labor, and commerce in the 18th century. Considering the materials, the skilled making, and the social context of printmaking can deepen our understanding of this portrait.