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

This self-portrait by French printmaker Pierre François Basan, dating from between 1733 and 1797, depicts the artist working on an etching plate. The print is an example of the artist's skillful use of line, creating a realistic representation of the subject. The careful rendering of the artist's hands and the focused expression on his face emphasize the meticulous nature of the printmaking process. This self-portrait, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the world of a skilled printmaker and the dedication required to create such art.