Naakte man, staand met armen omhoog 1668 - 1671

This is a print of a standing nude man with his arms raised, made by Jan de Bisschop, probably in the mid-17th century. It is made using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create an image in metal. Look closely, and you can see the fine lines that define the figure. The artist would have drawn these into a wax coating on a copper plate, then bathed the plate in acid. The longer the acid bites, the deeper the line, and the more ink it holds when printed. This technique is fantastic for capturing the texture of skin and muscle, and creating a sense of depth through shadow. Prints like this were often made as educational tools, allowing artists to study the human form without direct access to models or sculptures. But it is important to remember that printmaking itself is a highly skilled craft, demanding careful control of materials and processes. By appreciating the artistry involved in etching, we recognize that printmaking is just as valuable as painting or sculpture. It’s all about recognizing the skill and knowledge that goes into making, no matter the medium.