Portret van Johann Conrad Sittig 1701 - 1733

Martin Bernigeroth created this portrait of Johann Conrad Sittig using engraving, a printmaking process that demands meticulous skill. Notice how the artist incised lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. These precise lines hold the ink, which is then transferred to paper under immense pressure, resulting in the image you see. The density and direction of the engraved lines create subtle gradations of tone, defining Sittig's features and clothing with remarkable detail. Bernigeroth’s expertise is evident in the way he captures the texture of Sittig's elaborate wig and the sheen of his garments. Consider the labor involved: each line represents a deliberate act, a testament to the engraver's patience and technical prowess. The print would have been made to circulate, reproducing Sittig's likeness for a wider audience. This portrait exemplifies how printmaking served not only as a means of artistic expression, but also as a crucial tool for disseminating information and asserting social status. It blurs the line between craft and fine art, reminding us of the rich materiality inherent in image-making.