Magdalena Sibylle af Sachsen 1661 - 1664

This engraving of Magdalena Sibylle af Sachsen was made by Albert Haelwegh, and showcases the remarkable skill required for the printmaking process. The image has been realized by carefully cutting lines into a metal plate, which would then be inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see the wealth of detail achieved through this method, from the delicate rendering of the sitter’s features to the texture of her hair and clothing. This wasn’t a quick process; it would have taken considerable time and expertise to create such a detailed image, and this kind of skilled labor was highly valued. The print would likely have been produced in multiples, making the image more widely accessible. Yet, it still retains the mark of the hand, and of the social structures that enabled its creation. Consider how the material qualities of the engraving, and the labor involved in its making, contribute to its overall meaning and value, connecting it to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption.