Buyltje On-versaed en Waernar Altijdt-meer 1612 - 1652

This print, “Buyltje On-versaed en Waernar Altijdt-meer,” was created by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. It is a testament to the skilled labor involved in printmaking. The image is a product of the etching process, where a metal plate, likely copper, is coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, through which the design is scratched. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating the lines that hold ink. The plate would then be inked, wiped clean, and pressed against paper, transferring the image. The textures in the faces suggest the application of multiple layers of etching. The resulting print, with its fine lines and subtle tonal gradations, speaks to the controlled and meticulous skill of the printmaker. This technique allowed for the distribution of images, and ideas, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Appreciating this work means understanding the labor and expertise that went into its creation.