Bust of a Man with a Fur Cap 1620 - 1674

Jan Lievens made this print, Bust of a Man with a Fur Cap, using etching. The technique involves drawing with a needle on a wax-coated metal plate, then immersing it in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating an image that can be inked and printed. The material qualities of etching are crucial here. Look closely, and you can see the network of fine lines that build up the image. The controlled bite of the acid allows for a remarkable level of detail, capturing the texture of the fur cap and the man's weathered face. This technique enabled artists to create multiple copies of their work, making art more accessible to a wider audience. Consider how this print democratized artmaking. Rather than a unique painting commissioned by the elite, etching allowed Lievens to circulate his vision of humanity, highlighting the dignity and character of an everyday man. It challenges our assumptions about who deserves to be represented in art, blurring the lines between high art and the lives of ordinary people.