Portret van Jean Baptiste Michiels 1891

Auguste Danse created this portrait of Jean Baptiste Michiels in 1871 using etching. A printmaking technique, etching involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create an image on paper. What makes etching compelling is its capacity to produce finely detailed and nuanced images, as we can see from the intricate lines and tonal variations that define Michiels's face. This level of detail speaks to the labor-intensive process of etching, where each line is carefully etched into the plate by hand, revealing the skilled traditions and techniques of printmaking that Danse engaged with. Think about the relationship between the etched image and the modes of production at the time; printmaking allowed for the reproduction and distribution of images on a scale previously unimaginable, tying creative practices to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. This portrait reminds us that by appreciating the materials and processes behind a work of art, we gain insight into the social and cultural contexts in which it was created.