Portret van François van Aerssen 1747 - 1759

This engraving of François van Aerssen was made by Jacob Houbraken in the 18th century. It is composed of minutely incised lines on a copper plate, which would have been inked and printed onto paper. Look closely, and you will see how the material has influenced the work’s appearance. Houbraken’s skillful lines capture Aerssen’s likeness and the textures of his clothing. Consider the labor involved in producing such detail, each line a testament to the engraver's hand. The proliferation of prints was tied to increasing levels of consumption, and also played a role in solidifying social status. Engravings like this one blur the lines between art and craft, requiring both technical skill and artistic vision. Appreciating the material and making of this work allows us to understand its cultural significance, and question traditional hierarchies of art.