Mascaron met mannenkop 1759

This small etching of a grotesque mask was made by Christian Bernhard Rode, sometime in the 18th century. The image is made up of many fine lines incised into a metal plate, which would then be inked and printed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the artist built up the image bit by bit, using hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow. The quality of the line speaks to Rode's skill as a draughtsman and printmaker. But the subject matter is important too. Masks like this one were often used as architectural ornaments, projecting fierce expressions to ward off evil spirits. But in this print, the mask is divorced from its original context, becoming an object of contemplation in its own right. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image, and the skill required to master the techniques of etching and printing. This work is a reminder that even the most seemingly simple images are the result of a complex interplay between materials, processes, and social context.