A Seated Man with a Pack of Dogs 1651

Dirck Stoop’s etching, *A Seated Man with a Pack of Dogs*, was made sometime in the 17th century, using a metal plate, likely copper. Look closely, and you can see how the artist created the image by incising lines into the metal, which would have been a labor-intensive process. The material qualities of the print – its line, tone, and the texture of the paper – all derive from the etching process, which involves covering a metal plate with wax, scratching away the desired image, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating grooves that hold ink. This is then transferred to paper under great pressure. Consider the social context of this printmaking technique. It allowed for the mass production of images, making art more accessible beyond wealthy patrons. This print, with its casual scene of everyday life, reflects a shift towards a broader audience for art, and marks a pivotal moment in the development of visual culture. It shows how new modes of production democratized art and knowledge.