Portret van de schilder Franciscus Andreas Milatz op zijn doodsbed c. 1808 - 1810

This print by Hermanus van Brussel captures the painter Franciscus Andreas Milatz on his deathbed. It’s an etching, meaning the artist drew into a metal plate with a sharp needle, then bathed it in acid to eat away the exposed lines. The resulting image has a direct, almost stark quality. You can see the network of lines creating the form of Milatz’s face, the texture of his cap. An etching isn't like a painting – it's all about lines and the absence of lines, carefully worked to suggest volume and depth. This print also reminds us that in past centuries, art was often a social practice. Van Brussel memorializes his fellow artist, marking not only his image but also his passing. In an age before photography, such prints were vital in circulating images, preserving memories. It's a reminder that art can be a deeply human act of remembrance, a poignant commentary on life, death, and artistic community.