Man met rol papier 1601 - 1657

This engraving, by Pieter Serwouters, presents a man holding a blank scroll. The image was likely made by using a technique called etching. A metal plate would have been covered with a waxy, protective layer. The artist would then scratch away the wax to expose the metal, creating the image. The plate is then dipped in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating lines. The deeper the bite, the darker the line it will make in the final print. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto a sheet of paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. The man's figure, clothes, and the way he holds the scroll speak to the cultural and social practices of the time, where literacy and the written word held immense power. The blank scroll becomes an open invitation, suggesting the potential for communication, knowledge, and perhaps even subversion. It reminds us that art is not just about the final image, but also the processes, skills, and cultural values that shaped its creation.