Portret van Paul Piggel 1648 - 1663

This portrait of Paul Piggel was made around the mid-17th century by Johann Pfann, using the intaglio printmaking technique of engraving. The linear quality of the portrait, particularly in the sitter’s face and ruff, speaks to the careful, deliberate process of incising lines into a metal plate. The varying depth and density of these lines create the illusion of tone and texture, from the soft fabric of Piggel’s sleeves to the crispness of the lettering that surrounds him. Engraving demands a high level of skill and precision, acquired through years of training, traditionally within a guild system. This highly skilled labor ensured the quality and consistency of prints that circulated widely, disseminating images and ideas across Europe. Looking closely, we can appreciate the time and effort invested in this detailed portrait, and how this process gives the artwork its distinctive aesthetic and cultural significance. This challenges traditional distinctions between art, craft, and the broader context of labor and production.