Portret van Johann Justin Preissler 1727 - 1765

This is a portrait of Johann Justin Preissler, made by Valentin Daniel Preissler in the mid-18th century. It's an engraving, a printmaking technique that demands meticulous labor. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the artist carefully incises lines using a tool called a burin. Ink is then forced into these lines, the surface wiped clean, and the image transferred to paper under immense pressure. Look closely and you'll notice the incredible detail achieved through this method, from the textures of the sitter’s fur cap and elaborate robe to the subtle gradations of tone. Engraving like this was a highly skilled trade, demanding years of training. The resulting prints, like this one, circulated widely, spreading images and ideas across Europe. This portrait speaks not only to the sitter's status, but also to the engraver's mastery and the complex economy of image production in the 18th century. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraits are the product of intensive work.