Buste van man 1768 - 1796

Pieter de Mare created this etching of a man's bust, sometime around the late 18th century, the age of revolutions. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and disseminating ideas during that period. In the absence of photography, printed images served as vital visual records, capturing likenesses, events, and social scenes. De Mare's choice of subject, an ordinary man, reflects a growing interest in the common person. The etching's level of detail suggests a desire to accurately represent the individual. This could reflect Enlightenment ideals of reason, observation, and interest in social reform that challenged aristocratic privilege. To fully understand the print, we need to examine the Dutch printmaking industry, the political context of the Batavian Republic, and the social function of portraiture. We can then appreciate the ways in which the artist's choices reflect the dynamic interplay between art, society, and politics.