Portret van Paul Kray von Krajowa 1780 - 1880

This portrait of Paul Kray von Krajowa was made by Theodor Vincenz Poll using etching and engraving techniques. These methods, which involve incising lines into a metal plate to hold ink, demanded a high level of skill, patience and labor. Notice how the density of lines creates tonal variations, from the pale face to the darker background. The crispness of the engraved lines captures the sitter’s likeness and the details of his uniform, including his fine garments. The rise of printmaking allowed for the wider distribution of images, serving both propaganda and the art market. This portrait could have been reproduced for a mass audience. In contrast to painting, printmaking democratized art, making images accessible. Thinking about this artwork, it invites us to consider the role of craft and reproduction in shaping our understanding of both the individual and society.