Rebekka ontmoet Eliëzer 1736 - 1767

This print, titled "Rebekka meets Eliëzer," was made by Frans de Bakker using the technique of engraving. The process begins with a copper plate, into which lines are carefully incised using a tool called a burin. The depth and spacing of these lines determine the darkness and texture of the final image. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines. The surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. What's fascinating here is that this isn't just a reproductive process; it is an act of interpretation. De Bakker's skill as an engraver is evident in the way he captures light, shadow, and detail. This was a labor-intensive process, requiring both artistic skill and technical expertise. The print could then be reproduced for mass consumption. The act of making is inextricably linked to the content of the image, transforming copper into light.