Portret van een man 1767 - 1827

This portrait of a man was made by William Blake using engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting a design into a metal plate. Look closely, and you will see how the quality of the engraved lines influences the appearance of the portrait. The fineness and precision of the lines, achieved through skilled use of a burin, create subtle tonal gradations and textures, giving depth and form to the man’s face. Blake's choice of engraving as a medium reflects both artistic intention and social context. Printmaking, a crucial means for disseminating information in Blake's time, allowed artists to reach a wider audience. By mastering this technique, Blake engaged with broader issues of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.