Voor een stadspoort schudden twee bevelhebbers elkaar de hand 1793

Reinier Vinkeles created this print with etching and engraving, techniques that allow for detailed line work and tonal variation. The process begins with a metal plate, often copper, coated with a waxy ground. The artist then draws through this ground with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. Immersed in acid, the exposed lines are etched into the plate. For engraving, the artist uses a tool called a burin to directly cut lines into the metal. The plate is then inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched or engraved lines. Finally, it is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The texture of the paper and the depth of the lines all contribute to the print’s aesthetic. The techniques require immense skill and time, reflecting the value placed on craftsmanship in the 18th century. Prints like these were often made for reproduction and distribution, making art accessible to a broader audience, and reflecting a shift towards a more democratic consumption of images. Ultimately, understanding the intricate process behind this print enriches our appreciation, revealing how traditional craftsmanship intersects with social accessibility.