Portret van een onbekende man 1752 - 1825

This small portrait of an unknown man was made by Robbert Muys using etching, a printmaking technique. The finely-worked lines that define the man’s face and clothing result from an intricate process. First, the artist coats a metal plate with a waxy substance. They then use a sharp needle to draw through the wax, exposing the metal underneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. This process is repeated to achieve different depths of line. Finally, the plate is inked and printed onto paper. The resulting print has a unique character; the acid leaves a slightly rough, almost velvety texture. It is a labor-intensive process, but one that allows for a great deal of detail and nuance. What makes it so interesting is that a process so steeped in craft can become a vehicle for images of power. This etching collapses any assumed distinction between art and craft, instead emphasizing the immense skill involved in printmaking.