Portret van Pierre-Vincent Bertin 1673 - 1738

This is a portrait of Pierre-Vincent Bertin, made by Pierre Drevet, a French engraver who lived between 1663 and 1738. Engraving like this one is a labor-intensive process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The depth and density of the lines determine the tones in the final image. Look closely and you can see the incredibly fine network of lines that create the illusion of light and shadow, capturing the texture of Bertin's wig and clothing. Engraving had long been used for practical purposes, like printing maps or reproducing other artworks. However, Drevet's skill elevated it to a fine art in its own right. The amount of work involved in creating this artwork is immense, speaking to the value placed on skill and craftsmanship in the 18th century. It also highlights the complex relationship between art, labor, and the emerging capitalist economy of the time. This print demonstrates that "craft" can also be "fine art."