Portret van Cunera van der Cock 1836 - 1913

This is Willem Steelink's portrait of Cunera van der Cock, created sometime in the 19th century. It's made using a technique called etching, a printmaking process that relies on acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create an image. The etched lines give the portrait its distinctive look, from the fine details of Cunera's face to the textures of her clothing. Notice how Steelink uses the varying depth and density of these lines to create a sense of light and shadow, giving the image depth. The labor involved in creating an etching is considerable. It requires careful planning, skilled execution, and a deep understanding of the materials involved. Steelink would have needed to be both a skilled draughtsman and a practiced technician. Looking at this print, we are reminded that even seemingly simple images can be the result of complex processes, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.