Portræt 1869 - 1927

Luplau Janssen made this intimate portrait using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid. The artist would have coated a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then drawn the image through this coating, exposing the metal underneath. Dipped in acid, the exposed lines would be eaten away, creating grooves. When inked and pressed, the plate would transfer the image to paper. The resulting lines are finely controlled and closely spaced, giving the portrait a unique texture and tone. While printmaking has often been seen as a reproductive medium, geared toward mass production, here the effect is quite different. We can appreciate the intimacy of the hand-drawn line, and the considerable skill required to manipulate the materials. By understanding the processes involved, we can appreciate Janssen's work not just as a portrait, but also as a testament to the enduring value of craft within fine art.