Gezicht op de gevels van het Ordenspaleis en het Palais Schulenburg aan de Wilhelmplatz in Berlijn 1749 - 1808

Johann Georg Rosenberg made this print of the Ordenspalais and Palais Schulenburg in Berlin, using etching and possibly engraving techniques. Look closely, and you'll see the image is composed of precise, closely-spaced lines that define the architecture and figures. The making of prints like this one was a highly skilled craft, involving layers of technical expertise. Metal plates were carefully prepared and inscribed, then inked and pressed onto paper. This reproductive process was essential to disseminating images and information in the 18th century, playing a key role in shaping public perception of architecture and urban space. Prints like these served not only as records, but also as tools of power and prestige. They celebrated the achievements of rulers and elites, while also reinforcing social hierarchies. In Rosenberg’s image, the sheer scale of the palaces and the formal arrangement of the scene speak to the wealth and influence of their owners. Considering the materials and making of this print helps us understand its social and cultural significance, highlighting the interconnectedness of art, craft, and power in 18th-century society.