Portret van Johannes Gerardus van Dadelbeek 1833 - 1837

This is a portrait of Johannes Gerardus van Dadelbeek, made by Joannes Antonius Augustinus Pluckx. The printmaking process used to create this portrait involved engraving lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. The sharp, precise lines create a detailed likeness of the subject, capturing the texture of his clothing and the contours of his face. This technique allowed for the reproduction of images on a large scale, making art accessible to a wider audience. The clean lines and tonal variations achieved through engraving contribute to the formal, dignified representation of van Dadelbeek. The printmaking process, with its roots in craft and industrial production, reflects a shift towards mass production and dissemination of images, a hallmark of the era. It's important to consider how such processes democratize art, while also impacting the social and economic structures surrounding its creation and distribution. By considering the material and the making, we recognize the intricate relationship between art, craft, and social context.