Portret van Neeltje Willemsdr. Zuytbrouck 1861 - 1889

William Unger made this portrait of Neeltje Willemsdr. Zuytbrouck using etching, a printmaking technique dating back to the 16th century. Here, Unger incised an image into a metal plate with acid, creating lines that hold ink. The plate would then be carefully cleaned, inked, and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The material quality of an etching – the crispness of the lines, the subtle gradations of tone – are all dependent on the artist's mastery of the process. The etcher must understand the properties of the metal, the acid, the ink, and the paper, adjusting their technique to achieve the desired effect. Note the way that the image is carefully textured to mimic the garments worn by Neeltje, indicating the status of the wearer. Unger’s decision to use etching, rather than another printmaking method or painting, speaks to the enduring appeal of this traditional craft. It is important to remember that prints such as this were also a means of disseminating images widely, connecting the realms of art and industry. Appreciating the labor and skill that went into this print enriches our understanding of the artwork itself.