Buste van een oude man met baard en muts 1708 - 1779

This print, "Buste van een oude man met baard en muts," was made by Honoré Coussin sometime in the 18th century. It's an etching, meaning that the artist would have painstakingly drawn into a wax-coated metal plate with a sharp needle, then bathed the plate in acid. This process bites away the exposed lines, which then hold ink for printing. Notice how the material influences the appearance of the image. Coussin skillfully uses the etching technique to capture the texture of the old man's beard and the folds of his cap, creating a sense of depth and volume. The fine lines and delicate shading give the print a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Prints like this one were relatively affordable at the time and speak to the rise of a middle class that had the means to acquire art. By understanding the material and processes involved in its creation, we can appreciate the skill and artistry of the printmaker, and also how such works made art available to a wider public.