Portret van Jacobus Covijn 1767

This is Barent de Bakker's portrait of Jacobus Covijn, made with etching techniques on a copper plate. The choice of copper is significant. Copper plates, although relatively soft and receptive to fine detail, demand considerable labor in their preparation and etching. Here, the linear precision speaks to the artist’s control, while the tonal range achieved through varied biting times in acid reveals a mastery of the etching process. The image is carefully built, line by line, suggesting the sitter's character. The texture and weight of the copper itself contribute to the artwork's presence. Unlike a drawing on paper, this plate has a substantial feel. Moreover, as a multiple, it speaks to early capitalist modes of production, where images could be replicated and disseminated, influencing public perception. Ultimately, understanding this work means appreciating the dialogue between material, process, and social context. It challenges us to look beyond the image and consider the labor and historical forces embedded within the copper itself.