Beardless man in a fur cloak and cap: bust 1633

This etching, ‘Beardless man in a fur cloak and cap: bust’ was made by Cornelis Danckerts in the 17th century. The print was achieved by applying acid to a metal plate to create sunken lines. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed onto paper, leaving a delicate impression. Look closely, and you will see the texture, weight, and form of the man's fur cloak and cap, all rendered through carefully placed lines. Think of the skilled labor involved in producing the fur that this man wears. And then consider the work that Danckerts puts into mimicking its texture and appearance. We are invited to consider the social status of the sitter, but also, more broadly, the culture of artisanal skill that makes the depiction possible. By emphasizing materiality and making, we can challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and better appreciate the wide social context of this arresting image.