Portret van Willem van Brakel 1766

This is Robbert Muys's portrait of Willem van Brakel, made using etching and engraving techniques. Look closely, and you'll see it’s a world of lines that define the form and volume of the portrait. This work represents a meticulous, labor-intensive process. The engraver uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate. Etching involves coating the plate with a waxy substance, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites away at the exposed lines. This process gives the printed image a unique texture. Consider that each line is a decision, a deliberate act to capture the likeness and presence of Willem van Brakel. Beyond the artistic skill, we can appreciate the amount of time and effort that went into its production. Understanding the craft of printmaking allows us to appreciate the artistry and labor that went into creating this image, and to consider the broader social context in which such work was produced.