Drinkende man 1624 - 1672

This print, *Drinkende man,* was made by J. de Lange, using the intaglio process. This involved incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and using a press to transfer the image to paper. The image is rich in detail and shading. The material itself - the copper or zinc plate - is an industrial material. The printmaking process allowed images to be reproduced, making them accessible to a wider audience than unique paintings. This democratization of images ties into broader social issues of labor and consumption. The amount of work involved in producing a print like this is considerable. The artist had to be skilled in drawing, engraving, and printing. Intaglio is a highly skilled craft tradition, requiring years of training. This print is not just a picture, it's a record of labor, skill, and the changing landscape of image production. Recognizing the value of both art and craft helps to contextualize this work.