Portretten van Anthonie Blocklandt, Dirck Barendsz. en Dominicus Lampsonius 1764

This print depicting Anthonie Blocklandt, Dirck Barendsz., and Dominicus Lampsonius was made by Jan l' Admiral in the 18th century. It's an etching, meaning that the artist would have used a sharp needle to draw into a wax-coated metal plate, which was then bathed in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, which then hold ink for printing. The striking linearity you see is a direct consequence of this process. Admiral has used hatching – closely spaced parallel lines – to create the illusion of tone and volume. The density of these lines determines how dark or light an area appears. Look closely, and you'll see how the faces emerge from a network of carefully placed marks. Consider the time and skill involved in producing such a detailed image using this method. Each line is a deliberate act, requiring precision and control. The printmaking process also allows for the reproduction and distribution of images, making art accessible to a wider audience. In the end, what we're seeing here is not just a portrait, but an example of how the value of labor, skill, and material come together in a work of art.