The Bull 1650

Rembrandt van Rijn made this tiny print of ‘The Bull’ using etching, a process that democratized image-making in the 17th century. He covered a copper plate with a waxy ground, drew into it with a needle to expose the metal, then bathed the plate in acid. The acid bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves that would hold ink. The plate was then wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. Pressed onto paper, it created a reversed image. The resulting image is a marvel of economy. Rembrandt captured the animal's bulk and the surrounding landscape with just a few deftly placed lines. The etching process allowed for multiples, making art more accessible, aligning with the burgeoning mercantile culture of the Dutch Golden Age. The network of economic exchange made this kind of printmaking possible, which allowed artists to reach a wider audience and participate in a market that valued both skill and efficiency. Rembrandt’s bull reminds us that art is never just about aesthetics; it's also about the means of production.