Portret van Jakob Felsch 1727 - 1733

Martin Bernigeroth created this print of Jakob Felsch using engraving, a process with a long history rooted in craft. To create this portrait, the artist would have used a tool called a burin to incise lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied to the plate and wiped off the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The quality of the lines determine the final appearance of the print, influencing its texture, weight, and form. Engraving demands precision. It’s a labor-intensive process, requiring specialized skills and tools, that speaks to broader social issues of labor and class. The act of making, with its direct engagement with materials and techniques, gives the print its cultural and social resonance. So, next time you look at a print, remember to consider the materials and making processes behind it. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and helps us fully understand the artwork.