Brustbild eines bartlosen Mannes mit gesenktem Kopf nach links 

This etching of a man was made by Benjamin Calau, sometime in the 18th century. The image is brought to life through the meticulous, and intensely manual, process of etching. It is a printmaking technique that demands great skill. It involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and then using a sharp tool to scratch away the coating, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The artist then inks the plate, carefully wiping away the excess, so that the ink remains only in the etched lines. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely and you will see the etched lines that create a sense of depth and shadow. The emotional impact of the image is heightened by the density of marks, a testament to the labor and craftsmanship involved. The work is a powerful reminder of the way that traditional techniques can convey great emotion.