Frederik III 1648 - 1656

This portrait of Frederik III was made by Hans Andreas Greys around the mid-17th century using engraving, a printmaking technique with a rich social history. To create this image, Greys would have used a tool called a burin to manually incise lines directly into a copper plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The sharpness and precision of the lines gives the portrait its distinctive character. Engraving like this wasn't just a way to make art; it was a crucial medium for disseminating information and constructing identities. In Frederik III’s case, it served to project an image of power and authority, reflecting the social and political context of the time. The very act of replicating his image through printmaking allowed for widespread distribution, reinforcing his status and influence.