Portret van Jacob George Jeronimo Hahn 1796 - 1798

This portrait of Jacob George Jeronimo Hahn was made by Jacobus Wijsman, and is an engraving on paper. The image is built up from thousands of tiny lines, each carefully etched into a metal plate. The engraver then applies ink to the plate, wipes away the excess, and presses the paper onto the surface to create the print. This painstaking process demands incredible skill. Engravings like this were the mass media of their day, allowing images to be reproduced and distributed widely. But don't mistake them for mere commercial products. Wijsman's mastery of line and tone elevates this portrait beyond simple likeness. The texture of Hahn's coat, the subtle shading of his face – all these details speak to the artist's technical virtuosity. Consider the labor involved in creating this image, from the initial drawing to the final print. It's a testament to the enduring power of human skill. By appreciating the craft of engraving, we gain a deeper understanding of the print's cultural and historical significance.