Portret van Ferdinand Sterzinger 1786 - 1797

This print of Ferdinand Sterzinger was made by Joseph Anton Zimmermann, probably around 1786. It’s an engraving, meaning the artist would have used a tool called a burin to cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed. Engraving is an indirect process. The image is made through labor, mark by mark. Look closely, and you'll see the dense network of lines that define the face, clothing, and decorative frame. The quality of these lines determines the success of the portrait. The artist has controlled the depth and spacing of each stroke to create a convincing likeness and capture the texture of the fabrics. Prints like this one were relatively accessible, a form of visual communication that spread ideas and images widely in the 18th century. The time and skill involved represent a different kind of value than we associate with unique works of art today. It’s a reminder that materials, making, and context are crucial to understanding the full meaning of art, challenging any simple divide between high art and craft.