Heer in lange mantel, op de rug gezien 1715 - 1720

This is a print by Sébastien Leclerc I, made using etching techniques. He created it by using a sharp needle to draw an image directly into a prepared metal plate, which was then printed onto paper. The magic here lies in Leclerc’s use of line. See how he has used a series of parallel lines to model the fall of the cloak around the man’s body? And how the spacing of these lines creates a sense of light and shadow? By manipulating these lines with different weights and densities, Leclerc has turned a simple visual language into a sophisticated way to describe form and texture. The etcher’s labor becomes visible through this careful craftsmanship, elevating the print from a mere depiction to a demonstration of the artistic ingenuity. Next time you look at a print, think about the labor that went into its making. It's a powerful reminder that even the simplest of materials can be transformed into something extraordinary through skill and dedication.