Monument voor Herman Boerhaave 1808 - 1820

This print, "Monument voor Herman Boerhaave," was made by Abraham Delfos in the 18th century using etching. The image commemorates Herman Boerhaave, a celebrated Dutch physician and botanist. The print's strength lies in the meticulous work etched into the plate, creating a range of textures and tones that mimic the look of a stone monument. Delfos skillfully used lines and shading to give depth to the urn, pedestal, and portraits. Notice how the etched lines follow the curves of the urn, giving it volume, and how the cross-hatching on the pedestal suggests weight and solidity. Etching, as a process, is itself labor-intensive, involving acid-resistant coatings and careful timing to achieve the desired effect. In its precision, this print reflects the increasing importance of scientific accuracy and the work ethic valued by the rising merchant class of the time. It reminds us that even in memorializing an individual, the mode of production—etching—and the material presence of the print, contribute to the social context.