Portret van Hendrik Breukelaar 1841 - 1842

This portrait of Hendrik Breukelaar was made using engraving, a printmaking technique in which an image is incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create multiple impressions. Engraving demands a high level of skill, using specialized tools to create the fine lines that define the image. The process begins with a highly polished metal plate, often copper, onto which the design is carefully cut using a burin – a hardened steel tool. This subtractive process requires meticulous planning, as every line removed contributes to the final image. Ink is then forced into these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink is transferred, yielding a precise and detailed print. Consider how the engraver's hand is present in every line, each a testament to the craft and labor involved. It’s a process of repetition, where the hand of the artisan and the mechanics of the press meet. This makes us think about the division of labor, authorship, and value. Appreciating the making of this portrait encourages us to consider the social and economic contexts in which it was produced.