Manshoofd met hoed en pijp 1756 - 1817

This small print, "Man's Head with Hat and Pipe," was made by Louis Bernard Coclers using etching, a printmaking process that democratized image production in the 18th century. The process involves covering a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratching an image into the wax before submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites away the exposed metal, leaving an incised line that can be inked and printed. This technique allowed for relatively quick reproduction and dissemination of images. Note the density of marks used to create the image, building up tone and texture, particularly in the hat and facial features. The etched lines mimic the spontaneity of a drawing, capturing a fleeting moment. The roughness of the lines even suggests the working class subject and the labor implied in the creation of the artwork itself. Ultimately, the choice of etching as a medium highlights the growing accessibility of art and information during this period, blurring the lines between fine art and the graphic arts.