Portret van Jean-Baptiste-Élie Avrillon 1688 - 1733

Jean Baptiste (I) Scotin made this portrait of Jean-Baptiste-Élie Avrillon, a member of the Minim order, with a metal plate in the early 18th century. This artwork is an engraving, a printmaking process that demands precise hand-eye coordination and rigorous training. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to manually incise the image onto a copper plate. Lines are carefully cut into the metal, with the depth and spacing determining the darkness of the printed lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, forced into these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. The image is transferred to paper under high pressure in a printing press. Consider the labor involved in creating such intricate detail. Each line represents a deliberate act, reflecting the cultural value placed on skilled craftsmanship. By appreciating the technical virtuosity of engraving, we can delve into the social and economic structures that supported these artistic practices. This challenges the traditional hierarchy separating craft from fine art.