Portret van Christoph Pfauz 1693 - 1733

This is a portrait of Christoph Pfauz, made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth, likely during Pfauz's lifetime. It is an engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you will see how Bernigeroth has used the precision of the engraved line to capture the textures of Pfauz's elaborate wig and the folds of the draped fabric. The incised lines create a sense of depth and shadow, essential in defining Pfauz's features and conveying his status as a scholar. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training and a steady hand. The process was painstaking and time-consuming, but it allowed for the creation of detailed and reproducible images, which were essential for disseminating knowledge and promoting individuals in the 18th century. This portrait serves as a reminder that all images have a material basis, created through processes inextricably tied to labor, value, and social context.