Twee mannen en twee vrouwen in gesprek 1793

Reinier Vinkeles made this print of two men and two women in conversation using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratching an image into it. The plate is then bathed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The depth of the lines determines how much ink they hold, which in turn affects the darkness of the printed line. In this artwork, Vinkeles manipulated these processes to create a range of fine lines and tonal gradations, giving form to the characters, their garments, and their surroundings. The artist's skill is apparent in the level of detail, creating an artwork that captures the fashions of the day, and the attitudes of the sitters. The amount of work involved, from the preparation of the plate to the printing process, speaks to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship during Vinkeles' time, bridging the gap between fine art and more utilitarian forms of production.