Manshoofd met steek in profiel naar rechts 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers created this etching of a man's head in profile. The printmaking process used here is a direct one: the artist would have drawn directly onto a metal plate with a sharp needle, creating lines that hold ink. This intimate process allows for incredible detail, seen in the hatching that defines the face and hat. The material quality of the etching – the fine lines, the stark contrast of light and shadow – contributes to its directness and immediacy. This kind of image would have been relatively accessible at the time, part of a broader culture of printmaking that democratized image production. Compared to a unique painting, this image could be reproduced, distributed, and consumed by a wider audience. Considering this print, it is important to look past traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, recognizing the skill, labor, and social context embedded in its creation.