Lachende jongen met krullend haar 1659 - 1740

Jan van der Bruggen made this etching, Lachende jongen met krullend haar, sometime between 1649 and 1709. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. Acid is then applied, biting away the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. The resulting image carries a distinctive texture, with the bitten lines imparting a unique visual quality. Van der Bruggen’s choice of etching speaks to a wider culture of printmaking, where images could be widely disseminated. This particular print, with its informal, almost snapshot-like quality, suggests an interest in capturing fleeting expressions. We see a laughing boy, caught in a moment of mirth. Note the artist's skilled use of line to define the boy's features and convey his lively expression. By emphasizing the artistry inherent in craft, we can move beyond traditional hierarchies and appreciate the rich tapestry of human creativity.