Oude man met een baret en ketting met kruis 1847 - 1889

William Unger created this etching of an old man with a beret and a cross sometime before his death in 1932. The image is made up of lines bitten into a metal plate with acid, a skilled process requiring the application of wax and careful timing, and then transferred to paper. Look closely at the tonal variation Unger achieves, especially around the face of the man. Unger has created an image of old age, with heavy garments, and chains. The etched lines capture the subtle gradations of light and shadow, lending depth and realism to the portrait. Consider how this process differs from painting or drawing. The character of the line becomes paramount. Though the etching can be reproduced, the making of the plate itself demanded precision and artistry. Unger’s expertise invites us to consider the value of skilled labor, and how even in the age of mechanical reproduction, the hand’s touch remains central to the creation of compelling images.