Portret van Franz Ferdinand von Kuenburg 1713 - 1722

This print of Franz Ferdinand von Kuenburg was created by Johann Kenckel, and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. It’s made using the intaglio printmaking method. This involves incising an image into a metal plate, applying ink to the recessed areas, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. Look closely and you’ll see the subtle tonal gradations, which speak to the skilled labor involved in creating the printing plate, and the ways in which this translates into the final image. The texture and density of the ink contribute to the print's visual depth, capturing the textures of the sitter's clothing and hair. The intaglio printmaking technique offered a means of mass production, making it accessible to a broader audience. This image, originally conceived as a unique work, could be replicated and disseminated, thus influencing the consumption of imagery in society. This highlights the importance of considering the social and economic context within which art is produced and consumed.