Portret van Stephanus Szegedinus 1739 - 1791

This is Johanna Dorothea Sysang’s ‘Portret van Stephanus Szegedinus’, an engraving on paper. The image is defined by fine lines meticulously carved into a metal plate, likely copper, then inked and pressed onto paper. It is a testament to the engraver's skill. The portrait exemplifies how printmaking democratized image production, offering relatively affordable likenesses to a broader public. This was vital in the 18th century, enabling the dissemination of images of prominent figures like Stephanus Szegedinus beyond elite circles. We see here the subtle gradations of tone achieved through the density and direction of the engraved lines. Think of the labor involved in creating such detail, each stroke contributing to the final image. Looking at this print, we are prompted to consider the social and economic forces driving its creation and consumption. It bridges the gap between skilled craftsmanship and the burgeoning market for reproducible images, challenging traditional hierarchies within the arts.