Tekstblad behorende bij het portret van Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werf 1774

This is a text sheet, made by Johannes le Francq van Berkhey. It is an etching, made using metal plates. The fine lines are formed by incising into the metal, and the ink held within those cuts transfers to the paper when printed. It is a labor-intensive process, demanding the meticulous skill of the printmaker, a real investment of time, and a financial outlay in materials like paper and ink, as well as the printing press itself. Etchings like this were produced for a growing market in printed imagery, and demonstrate the increasing commercialization of art in the 18th century. The frame surrounding the work is delicate, highlighting the texture of the paper. This detail calls attention to the economics of image-making, where the value of the print lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in the material and labor required for its creation. This etching encourages us to think about the wider world of production, labor, and consumption.