Portret van Johann Kölla 1768 - 1817

Johann Heinrich Lips created this portrait of Johann Kölla using etching, a printmaking technique, sometime before 1817. The process begins with a metal plate covered in a waxy, acid-resistant coating. The artist then scratches into this layer with a needle, exposing the metal underneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. Looking closely, we can see the dense network of fine lines that give the portrait its form and shading. The precision of the etched line allows for detailed rendering of Kölla’s features, capturing not just his likeness, but perhaps also his character. Consider the labor-intensive nature of this process. Each line is a deliberate mark, requiring skill and patience. By understanding the making, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved, and how this painstaking work elevates the portrait beyond a mere likeness.