Oude man met baard en bontmuts 1705 - 1775

This is an etching by Johann Georg Hertel, made in the 18th century. It shows an old man with a beard and fur hat. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer. The artist then scratches an image into this layer, exposing the metal underneath. When acid is applied, it bites into these exposed areas, creating lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the etched lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Here, Hertel used etching to create a range of tonal effects, from the dark fur of the hat, to the shadows on the old man’s face. This was a laborious process, requiring skill and precision. Prints like these were made in multiples, and allowed for the relatively inexpensive distribution of images – a key development in the history of visual culture, and an early form of mass media. In this sense, Hertel’s print sits at the intersection of craft, design, and nascent industrial production.