Kong Ingjald 1646

This print of Kong Ingjald was made using engraving, a process dependent on the engraver's skill in manipulating tools and understanding the properties of metal. The incised lines hold the ink, transferring the image to paper through pressure. Look closely, and you'll see that the image's tonality comes entirely from the density and direction of these tiny cuts. The engraver's hand is paramount; the depth, width and placement of each line dictates the form and creates areas of light and shadow, bringing depth to this portrait. The tools used by the engraver, along with their skills, reflect a long history of artisanal practice. The labor-intensive process, involving the carving of lines into a metal plate, makes this print a testament to the value and effort involved in image production. We can think of this print as a form of early media, and its production as a trade, with all the attendant social and economic dimensions of that term. Considering the materials, making, and context allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship inherent in the print.