Portretten van H. Stokvisch, J. Smies en D. Kerkhoff 1811

This print of H. Stokvisch, J. Smies and D. Kerkhoff, was made by Jacob Ernst Marcus in the late 18th or early 19th century, using etching and burin techniques. The fine lines and subtle gradations of tone suggest Marcus’s mastery of these intaglio processes, manipulating the metal plate to create a range of textures, from the smooth skin of the figures to the rough surfaces of the surrounding landscape. But the choice of printmaking itself also carries significance. In an era before photography, prints offered a way to disseminate images widely and relatively cheaply. Marcus wasn’t just creating portraits; he was also producing a commodity, an item for sale in the burgeoning art market. Consider the labor involved in the production of this print, from the mining of the metal to the skilled handwork of the etcher. Each impression represents a small investment of time and resources, reflecting the broader economic forces at play in the production and consumption of art. Ultimately, understanding the material basis of this print allows us to see it not just as a representation of three individuals, but as a product of its time, shaped by the forces of labor, technology, and commerce.