Karikatuur van een trommelspelende man 1620 - 1687

This caricature of a drum-playing man was made by François Collignon sometime in the 17th century, using etching, a printmaking technique. This process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it to expose the metal, then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The act of printing transforms an image, giving it a graphic quality. The lines here are incredibly crisp, describing the texture of the drummer’s clothing, and the tautness of the drumhead, as well as the features of his contorted face. Prints like this one were often satirical, and aimed at a broad audience. Their relatively low cost allowed for wide distribution, making them a powerful form of social commentary. The very act of reproduction democratized art, and allowed for critical perspectives to circulate more freely. So, next time you look at a print, consider the ways in which its material and mode of production contribute to its meaning.