Portret van Johannes Wild op 28-jarige leeftijd 1613

This print, portraying Johannes Wild at 28 years old, was made by Dietrich Kruger around the early 17th century. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique that uses acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Think about the labor involved: Kruger would have meticulously drawn the portrait and its surrounding ornamentation with a needle, exposing the metal beneath. The longer the plate is exposed to the acid, the deeper the lines become, allowing for variations in tone and texture. Look closely at the lines – the varying widths and depths create a remarkable sense of detail, capturing not just Wild's likeness but also the textures of his clothing. The print’s existence speaks volumes about the burgeoning print culture of the time, where images could be reproduced and circulated widely. It reflects the rising merchant class, keen to assert its identity through portraiture, and the skilled artisans who facilitated this visual language. Appreciating the craft involved reminds us that even seemingly simple images are products of complex social and economic forces.