Portret van Matthäus Ferdinand Sobek von Bilenberg, aartsbisschop van Praag 1670

This print of Matthäus Ferdinand Sobek von Bilenberg, Archbishop of Prague, was made in Prague in 1670 by Johann Friedrich Leonard. It's an engraving, a process involving meticulous cuts into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The resulting image has a crisp, linear quality, well-suited to capturing the Archbishop’s likeness. The fine lines create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of his robes. Notice the level of detail, from the intricate patterns on his vestments to the subtle shading of his face. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding precision and patience. The engraver's expertise was crucial in translating the Archbishop's status into a visual language, reflecting the social hierarchy of the time. Prints like this were not only artistic expressions but also tools for disseminating images of power and influence. They collapse the distinction between craft and fine art, revealing the labor and skill embedded in their production.