Man met hoed en drinkglas 1888

This print, titled "Man met hoed en drinkglas," was created by Charles Théodore Bernier, who lived from 1871 to 1950. It’s a great example of the etching process, where an image is drawn into a wax ground on a metal plate and then acid-etched, creating recessed lines that hold ink. The print you see results from wiping the plate clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines, before pressing it onto paper. Notice how the etched lines give the image its distinctive texture and tonality. Bernier likely used different tools to vary the depth and width of these lines, creating highlights and shadows that suggest the folds of the sitter's ruffled collar, and the weight of his hat. Prints like this reflect a wider social context, too. They made art more accessible than unique paintings, circulating images and ideas to a broader audience. The labor involved – from the artisan who prepared the plate to the printer who ran off each impression – is a reminder that art is always a product of collective work. So, as you look at this image, consider the way the materials and making contribute to its meaning, blurring traditional lines between fine art and craft.