Portret van Jan I, graaf van Holland 1620

Adriaen Matham created this print of Jan I, Count of Holland, sometime before his death in 1660, using the intaglio process of etching. Think of Matham, carefully drawing with a fine needle through a wax ground, exposing the metal plate beneath. The plate was then immersed in acid, which bit into the drawn lines. This painstaking process was repeated until the desired depth and darkness were achieved. The resulting fine lines lend themselves perfectly to the depiction of Count Jan's lavish garments. Notice the ermine trim and the intricate patterns of his cloak. These details speak volumes about his wealth and status, meticulously rendered through skilled labor and printmaking expertise. The distribution of prints like these allowed for the dissemination of status and power. Matham's detailed etching offers us a glimpse into the social fabric and skilled craftsmanship of the Dutch Golden Age.