Portrait of Théophile Alexandre Steinlen 1900 - 1901

This is a portrait of Théophile Alexandre Steinlen by Pieter Dupont, made with etching on paper. The incised lines of the etching create intricate details, capturing the character of Steinlen's face and his studio environment. Look closely, and you can see the cross-hatching that builds up the tonal range. Etching is a printmaking process reliant on the controlled corrosion of metal. A plate is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant material, into which the artist scratches their design. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines. These grooves hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. The tactile quality of the etched lines speaks to the skilled labor involved in its production. As a print, this portrait could be widely disseminated, contributing to the growing cult of the artist in the modern era. It invites us to consider not only the image itself but also the social and economic forces that shaped its making, distribution, and reception. It's a reminder that even in the realm of fine art, materials and processes are deeply intertwined with broader cultural contexts.