Portret van een vrouw met kapje (Marie Joseph Bertrand?) 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers created this portrait of a woman, possibly Marie Joseph Bertrand, using etching, a printmaking technique, sometime between 1751 and 1817. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance called a ground. The artist then scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal underneath. When the plate is immersed in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed against paper, transferring the ink and creating a print. The nature of etching lends itself to finely detailed line work, perfect for rendering the delicate fabric of the woman's cap, and capturing her likeness. This printmaking method, while requiring skill and precision, allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, making art more accessible to a wider audience. It reflects the burgeoning print culture of the 18th century and the increasing commercialization of art. It speaks to the shifting relationship between labor, art, and consumption.