Man met een hoge hoed 1656 - 1706

This is "Man met een hoge hoed" by Godfried Schalcken, made with etching on paper. Etching is an intriguing medium, demanding an alchemical understanding of materials. Schalcken would have used a sharp needle to draw into a wax-coated metal plate, exposing the metal underneath. Then, he'd submerge the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer the acid bath, the deeper and darker the lines would be. This painstaking process required not only artistic skill, but also knowledge of metallurgy and chemistry. The resulting print, with its crisp lines and tonal range, is a testament to Schalcken's mastery, and also to the labor involved in its production. Consider the time and skill required to create the original plate, and each individual print. It's a far cry from our contemporary modes of mass production, and this speaks to a different kind of value, one rooted in the tradition of artisanal craft. When we consider the processes behind this etching, we can appreciate how techniques and the skilled traditions imbue the artwork with social significance.