Portret van de heer Courtois, provinciaal inspecteur van het lager onderwijs in Hainaut 1879

This is an etching made by Auguste Danse, portraying Mr. Courtois, a provincial inspector of education in Hainaut. The etching is made by using acid to cut into a metal plate, in this case copper, creating lines that hold ink. This process, requiring time and care, allows for the creation of fine, detailed images, such as we see in the intricate lines of Courtois's face and clothing. The quality of the line becomes all-important. The cross hatching creates an impression of three-dimensionality, defining form and texture, while the tonality of the etching gives the image a certain gravitas. This print wasn't just about documenting someone’s likeness, but about the status and respectability of the sitter. Etchings such as this were often reproduced in multiples, allowing for the wider dissemination of Courtois's image. Ultimately, understanding the processes involved in its production, from the skilled labor of the etcher to the social context of portraiture, enhances our appreciation of this seemingly simple artwork. It bridges the gap between the fine arts and the skilled crafts.