Zes munten met portretten van mannen uit de antieke: letter BL F 1675 - 1680

These six coins depicting ancient men, were etched by Richard Collin around the mid-seventeenth century, onto a copper plate. The process of etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant layer. The artist then scratches through this coating with a pointed tool, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating a print. The resulting print has a distinctive character, defined by the precision and control of the etched line. Look closely, and you’ll see how Collin used this technique to create subtle gradations of tone, lending depth and volume to the portraits. Each line meticulously rendered, contributes to the overall effect. The print is a testament to the skill and labor involved in traditional printmaking, a process that combines technical expertise with artistic vision. It challenges us to consider the value of handcraft in an age of mass production.