Zelfportret van Pieter Jansz. van Asch 1660 - 1693

Editor: This is "Zelfportret van Pieter Jansz. van Asch," a self-portrait by Jan Verkolje I, created sometime between 1660 and 1693. It's an engraving, and it has such a stark, almost gritty quality. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: This piece strikes me as deeply rooted in the labor and material processes of its creation. Look closely at the lines – the intense concentration of the engraver is evident in the detailed rendering of Van Asch's face. The act of engraving, the physical labor involved in manipulating the tools to transfer the image, all speak to a democratizing trend where art-making isn’t just about intellectual expression, but also about the skilled artisan’s touch. Editor: Democratizing? Curator: Yes, engravings, as a form of printmaking, enabled wider distribution and accessibility of images beyond the wealthy elite. It turns the notion of ‘art object’ on its head. It’s no longer solely about unique, precious canvases, but about replicable images available for a broader market. Consider also the socioeconomic context. Who would purchase such an engraving? And what does its presence tell us about art consumption in Dutch society at the time? Editor: That's a great point. So, you are saying that the engraving itself, the materiality and process, becomes as important as the image it depicts. Curator: Precisely! It invites us to analyze not just the artistic skill, but also the economic structures, the technologies, and the social networks that enabled its production and circulation. To understand art we should also acknowledge its materiality and recognize labor as integral to it, which challenges traditional art history paradigms. Editor: That really changes how I see it! I was focusing on the face, the expression… but you’ve opened up a whole new way to understand the artwork. Thanks. Curator: It was my pleasure! Every brushstroke and engraving tells a silent story on its origins and materials if you want to unveil it!