Self-portrait, drawing on an etching-plate 1733 - 1797

Curator: Well, here we are in front of "Self-portrait, drawing on an etching-plate" by Pierre François Basan. The print dates back to somewhere between 1733 and 1797 and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. What are your first thoughts? Editor: I’m immediately drawn to the intensity of his gaze, even in this small etching. It feels like he's caught mid-thought, completely absorbed in his craft, perhaps. Curator: That's a keen observation. Self-portraits during this period often served a dual purpose. On one hand, it provided the artist a chance to control their image, shaping public perception of their persona and status. On the other hand, practically, it gave the artist an accessible model who wouldn't charge a fee. Editor: Makes perfect sense! Seeing him depicted actually working on an etching plate adds a fascinating layer. It's like peering directly into his creative process, or him letting us watch at least. He doesn't pose grandiosely, you know? He's in action, sleeves rolled up, as if saying, “This is the nitty-gritty; this is the essence." Curator: Indeed, by depicting himself with the tools of his trade, Basan emphasizes not just artistry but craftsmanship. Prints such as these also circulated widely, impacting social values about art making. The print becomes a form of public endorsement, and even advertizing for Basan's work as a printmaker. Editor: The delicacy of the line work is stunning when you consider it's an etching. I can almost feel the weight of the plate he's holding, the slight resistance of the metal under the needle. I love this intimate encounter with another creative mind through the ages. Curator: That is the beauty of prints, the way they translate tactile work to widespread images. Basan's self-portrait reflects broader art market and taste-making structures. Editor: For me, looking at this print has ignited a curious thought of its own—what would it feel like to hold that plate in my own hands? Perhaps making it even gives a sense of the true value of the process and finished product. Curator: What an intriguing notion! It certainly deepens one's connection with both the work and the artist.