Portret van Burchard Eden 1679

This portrait of Burchard Eden is by Herman Hendrik Quiter, and it's an etching. The etched line has a very particular character. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist has used a range of marks, from very fine to quite bold, to model the sitter’s face and clothing. This was achieved by applying different amounts of pressure as he drew with his etching needle. The plate would then have been submerged in acid, which bites into the metal, creating incised lines. The longer the plate is left in the acid, the deeper and darker the lines will be. In this particular case, the etched line is a key to understanding not just the likeness, but the social status of the sitter. This was not a quick sketch, but a labor-intensive, skilled performance meant to convey dignity and importance. So, next time you see an etching, remember that it’s not just an image, but the product of considerable time and expertise.