Portret van Hermanus van Brussel 1798 - 1815

Ernst Willem Jan Bagelaar created this portrait of Hermanus van Brussel using etching, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. The magic of etching lies in the resistance of wax, which protects areas of a metal plate from acid. The artist scratches an image through this wax, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and revealing the image. The controlled corrosion of etching allows for incredibly fine detail, evident in the delicate lines of van Brussel's face and clothing. The labor and skill involved in preparing the plate, etching the image, and printing the final portrait speak to a tradition of craftsmanship, reminding us that even seemingly simple images are the result of complex processes and artistic expertise. Appreciating these elements allows us to move beyond the image itself and consider the rich history embedded within the print.