Portret van Achatius Gärtner 1728 - 1799

This is a portrait of Achatius Gärtner, a pharmacist, made by Ferdinand Stenglin, and realized with etching, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. Etching involves coating a metal plate, usually copper or zinc, with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches through the ground with a pointed tool, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are bitten, creating grooves. The depth of the lines determines how much ink they will hold, and therefore the darkness of the printed line. Here, Stenglin has used these processes to create intricate details and textures, from the rich fabrics to the fine lines of Gärtner's face and wig. The technique, however, is labor intensive, requiring skilled craftsmanship, demonstrating a blend of technical expertise and artistic expression. And it is this careful work that has imbued the artwork with its social and cultural significance. Ultimately, by appreciating the material and the making, we gain a deeper understanding of the image and the complex circumstances of its creation.