Twee rokende mannen 1760

Richard Earlom created this print, *Twee rokende mannen*, using etching and engraving techniques. Think of the work that went into this image. The artist carefully incised lines into a metal plate, using acid to deepen the grooves, and then meticulously added details with a burin. The contrast between the light and shadow, the textures of the clothing and the smoke, all rely on Earlom's mastery of these graphic processes. The image reflects a wider social context. Tobacco was a global commodity, and these men are participating in a ritual of consumption, perhaps in a tavern or inn. The print itself would have been part of a network of exchange, as prints were a primary form of visual communication and documentation. Paying attention to materials and processes allows us to understand this image not just as a representation, but also as a material object embedded in social and economic relationships. It challenges us to think beyond traditional art historical categories and appreciate the skills and labor involved in its creation.