Portret van Johannes Bogerman 1842 - 1887

This print, a portrait of Johannes Bogerman, was likely made using engraving techniques. The anonymous artist incised lines into a metal plate, which would then have been inked and printed onto paper. Note the sharp detail achieved through this process, particularly in Bogerman's fur-lined coat and voluminous beard. The texture and weight of the paper support the fineness of the engraved lines, contributing to the print's overall appearance. The meticulous labor involved in creating such a detailed image speaks to the social context of portraiture at the time, where precise representations were valued. Engraving, as a printmaking technique, connects to wider issues of labor, as it required skilled artisans to produce these images, which were then circulated and consumed by a growing public. By focusing on the materials and processes involved in creating this print, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, moving beyond traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.