Old Man with a Trefoil on His Coat 

Ferdinand Bol created this etching, *Old Man with a Trefoil on His Coat,* using an intricate printmaking process. Look closely and you can see how the etched lines create depth and texture, especially in the old man's beard and clothing. Bol likely used a sharp needle to draw into a wax-coated metal plate, which was then submerged in acid. The acid would bite into the exposed lines, allowing for the plate to be inked and printed, transferring the image to paper. Etching allowed Bol to create multiple copies of his work, making art more accessible to a wider audience during a time of increasing urbanization and mercantile exchange. The relatively small scale of this print also speaks to its function as a portable, collectible object. By understanding the labor-intensive process of etching, we gain a deeper appreciation for Bol’s artistic skill. It also prompts questions about the relationship between artistic production, the rising middle class, and the democratization of art in the 17th century.