Portret van Johann Georg Fichtner

This print of Johann Georg Fichtner was made by Christoph Weigel, and it’s a fantastic example of the intaglio process. Here, the image was incised into a copper plate, which would have been laborious, exacting work. The plate was then inked, and wiped clean so that ink only remained in the recessed lines. Finally, dampened paper was laid on top and run through a press with tremendous pressure, transferring the image. Look closely at the nuances Weigel achieved! See how the density of the lines creates shading and depth, capturing the texture of the professor’s elaborate wig and the details of his garments. The final print would have been one of many, allowing the image to be widely circulated, contributing to Fichtner’s public persona, and the idea of celebrity. This portrait testifies to the power of skilled craftsmanship and reproductive technologies in shaping public perception.