Friederike von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg, vorstin van Anhalt-Zerbst 1707 - 1733

This is Martin Bernigeroth’s portrait of Friederike von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenburg, made using engraving, a printmaking technique with a long and fascinating history. The image is created by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which would have been a labor-intensive process, demanding highly skilled artisans. Look closely, and you can see the fine network of lines that build up the tones and textures, from the soft fabric to the delicate lace. Each mark represents a deliberate action, a transfer of energy from the engraver's hand to the copper. The material qualities of the print—its crispness and precision—speak to the values of the time: clarity, order, and refinement. Prints like these played a crucial role in circulating images and ideas across Europe, contributing to a culture of shared knowledge and visual literacy. So, as you admire this portrait of Friederike, consider the skilled labor and the sophisticated techniques that brought it into being. It’s a reminder that even the most seemingly straightforward images are the product of complex social and material processes.