Reproductie van een prent van een geschilderd zelfportret van Frans van Mieris I before 1875

This print reproduces a painted self-portrait by Frans van Mieris I, though the printmaker is unknown. The image is made through the incisive action of an etching tool on a metal plate, utilizing the repeatable processes of printmaking. Consider how the linear precision of the etching translates the textures and forms of the original painting. The transformation from painting to print democratizes the image, making it accessible to a wider audience through mechanical reproduction. The skilled labor involved in both painting and printmaking is evident here. Mieris meticulously captured the details of his studio, showcasing his own artistry and the tools of his trade. The printmaker, in turn, painstakingly reproduced this scene, highlighting the value of skilled craftsmanship in an age of increasing industrialization. By examining the materials and processes behind this print, we gain insight into the social and cultural values of its time, challenging traditional hierarchies between art and craft.