Portret van Wilhelmina van Pruisen 1767

Daniel Chodowiecki created this portrait of Wilhelmina van Pruisen using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 18th century. Unlike painting, which remained the province of elite artists, etching allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction. An etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then draws through it with a needle to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The deeper the bite, the darker the line when printed. The fine, controlled lines showcase Chodowiecki’s skill in capturing the details of Wilhelmina's elaborate hairstyle and the delicate fabric of her dress. Etching facilitated the widespread circulation of images, catering to a growing market for portraits and other visual materials, connecting artistic production to broader social and economic trends. Looking at this print, it's important to remember that its meaning is as much about the process that made it as the person it depicts. The rise of printmaking blurs the lines between art, craft, and industry.