Man met hoed, naar links 1789 - 1802

This etching, *Man met hoed, naar links*, was made by Jan Chalon in the late 18th century. It’s a small print, made by coating a metal plate with wax, drawing into it with a sharp needle, then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, leaving behind an image that can then be inked and printed. The magic of etching is in the subtlety of line it allows – notice the fine details of the man’s hair and clothing. It allows for the creation of an incredible sense of depth and texture. But don't forget the labor involved. This wasn’t an industrial process, but rather a skilled craft. The artist had to be a master of drawing, chemistry, and printing. In the 1700s, prints like this were a popular way to circulate images and ideas, reaching a broad audience. So, while this etching may seem like a simple portrait, it’s also a product of its time, reflecting the rise of a print culture and the democratizing potential of art. Appreciating the materials and making helps us see the wider world in the artwork.