Marius in het huis van Fannia after 1782

Ludwig Gottlieb Portman made this print depicting Marius in the house of Fannia using a technique called etching. This process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches an image into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. The linear quality of the etching captures the scene’s drama. The composition and the tonal range create a somber mood, and the textures of the drapery and skin are meticulously rendered. The print is not just an image, it is the result of labor. Portman's skill in etching transforms base materials into a powerful narrative, blurring the lines between craft and fine art. This work reminds us that every artwork is deeply rooted in its making.