Portret van Johann Jacob Leu op 60-jarige leeftijd 1749

Valentin Daniel Preissler made this portrait of Johann Jacob Leu, likely as an engraving, in 1749. The fine lines create a sense of texture and depth, crucial for capturing the likeness and character of the sitter. The lines are not just descriptive, but also expressive. Look closely at the way Preissler uses cross-hatching and varying densities of lines to create light and shadow, defining the contours of Leu's face and clothing. The engraver's skill is evident in the subtle gradations and tonal variations. Consider how the process shapes the meaning. Engraving is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, requiring specialized tools and a high degree of skill. In the eighteenth century, such prints were luxury goods, made possible by extensive global trade networks and complex systems of patronage. Appreciating the materiality and making of this portrait, therefore, allows us to understand its original social and economic context more fully.