Man kust een vrouw op haar hand terwijl zij hem een brief geeft 1798

Reinier Vinkeles made this print depicting a man kissing a woman's hand as she gives him a letter. It was made using an engraving technique. The artist would have used a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, likely copper. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the engraved lines, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The precision of the engraving captures the scene’s fine details, from the delicate folds of the woman’s dress to the texture of the man's coat. The process demands immense skill and control. The engraver's hand guides the burin, translating vision into physical form. Engravings like this were often reproduced, allowing images and ideas to circulate widely. This speaks to the democratizing potential of printmaking, making art accessible beyond elite circles. In this sense, the print bridges the gap between artistry and wider social engagement.