Portret van Franz Ludwig Pfyffer 1774

This is a portrait of Franz Ludwig Pfyffer, made by Johann Rudolph Holzhalb. The image is an engraving, meaning that the artist would have used a sharp tool to carve lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. The engraving process is labor-intensive, demanding great skill and precision. Here, Holzhalb uses closely-spaced lines to create tone and shadow, building up the image in a meticulous way. Notice how the varying densities of lines describe the contours of Pfyffer's face, the folds of his clothing, and even the texture of his hair. The inscription below, identifying the sitter and his titles, is also carefully engraved. This technique was particularly well-suited to portraiture, allowing for the relatively easy reproduction of images, and the dissemination of status. As we consider this print, let's appreciate the intense labor involved, and how this contributes to the work’s value. The print medium democratizes the image, while still signaling status.