Portret van Daniel Preissler 1667

Johann Alexander Böner made this portrait of Daniel Preissler using etching, a printmaking technique. Etching involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed, much like engraving. Look closely, and you will notice the myriad tiny etched lines that capture the details of Preissler’s face, hair, and clothing. Böner skillfully manipulated the acid to create variations in line weight and depth, resulting in a rich tonal range that gives the portrait a lifelike quality. Consider the social context of printmaking during this time. Prints were a relatively affordable medium, allowing for the wider dissemination of images and ideas. Portraits like this one served to immortalize individuals and circulate their likeness among a broader audience. The labor-intensive process of etching, requiring both technical skill and artistic vision, elevates the status of both the artist and the sitter. By examining the materials, making, and social context of this portrait, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, and the intricate connections between art, craft, and society.