Portret van August Michiels 1831 - 1890

Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels created this portrait of August Michiels using engraving techniques. Engraving is a printmaking process where the artist meticulously carves an image into a metal plate, traditionally copper, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, create a precise, detailed image. The crisp lines and fine details are a testament to the engraver’s skill and labor. This portrait speaks to the democratization of art in the 19th century, where printmaking made images more accessible to a wider audience. Consider the labor involved in creating this portrait, from the artist’s hand guiding the burin to the press operator printing each image. Understanding the materials, making, and social context is essential to appreciating the full meaning of this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.