Frederik VI som kronprins 1777

Meno Haas created this print of Frederik VI as crown prince, and the artwork is now located in the SMK. It’s an etching, which is an indirect method of engraving. The metal plate would have been coated with wax, and the design then scratched through with a needle. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites away at the exposed metal. This creates lines that hold ink, and when pressed onto paper, create a mirror image of the original design. The fine lines allowed Haas to create a delicate rendering of the prince, emphasizing his youthful features and the intricate details of his royal attire. This process, with its reliance on skilled labor and repetitive action, speaks to the industriousness of printmaking in the 18th century. By considering the materials and processes involved, we gain a richer understanding of the work's social context, and the way it reflects both artistic skill and industrial labor.