Portret van Hendrik Engelinus Weyers 1844 - 1871

This is a portrait of Hendrik Engelinus Weyers, made by Leendert Springer, using the technique of etching. The lines that define Weyers's face and clothing have been bitten into a metal plate with acid. Etching allowed for the relatively easy mass production of images, playing an important role in the dissemination of knowledge and visual culture. The etched lines that compose the portrait are a testament to the skilled labor involved in the meticulous process. Springer’s artistic choices regarding line weight, density, and direction contribute to the overall texture of the work. Consider also how this image would have circulated. Was it bound into a book? Passed between friends? Placed on a wall? These questions speak to the social life of images, and their role in shaping historical narratives. Paying attention to the processes and contexts of production allows us to appreciate the many layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly straightforward portrait.