Portret van Franz Georg von Schönborn, aartsbisschop en keurvorst van Trier 1742

This portrait of Franz Georg von Schönborn, Archbishop of Trier, was made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth, using engraving. Engraving is a printmaking technique where the artist cuts lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The material properties of the metal, the pressure of the engraver's hand, and the absorbency of the paper all influence the final image. The sharp, precise lines give the portrait a formal, almost austere quality. Bernigeroth was a master of this technique, and his skill is evident in the intricate details of Schönborn's robes and the textures of his face. The process of engraving itself speaks to a tradition of craftsmanship, where technical skill and artistic vision combine. It is also a medium well-suited to disseminating images of power, like this one. Considering the labor and skill involved, we can appreciate this print not just as a portrait, but as a testament to the enduring value of handcraft in a world increasingly dominated by mechanical reproduction.