Portret van de schilder Barend Graat 1696 - 1727

This is Matthijs Pool’s ‘Portrait of the Painter Barend Graat,’ an engraving. With this technique, a metal plate, usually copper, is carefully incised to create an image. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. The printmaker then presses paper against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the final image. Looking at the texture, you can see the dense network of lines that Pool used to build up the tonal range and capture the likeness of Graat. Engraving demands precision and control; each line has to be carefully placed to create the desired effect. It’s a labor-intensive process, requiring hours of skilled work. The choice of engraving speaks to the era's values: its reproducibility meant that images could be widely disseminated, contributing to a growing visual culture. Though we might think of printmaking as a ‘lesser’ art compared to painting, it played a crucial role in shaping public perception and spreading ideas. Understanding the labor and context behind this print allows us to appreciate its historical significance.