Portret van Georg Jacob Pömer 1673 - 1720

This print of Georg Jacob Pömer was made by Johann Alexander Böner. The medium is engraving, a process that involves meticulously cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against it to transfer the image. The fine lines of the engraving lend a remarkable level of detail. Look at the subject's hair, the fur trim of his garment, and the lettering in the oval frame, all rendered with incredible precision. The quality of line is achieved through the skillful use of specialized tools, requiring the engraver to apply consistent pressure and control. Prints like this one were often made in multiples, making images more widely accessible. Engraving played an important role in disseminating knowledge, recording likenesses, and circulating visual ideas within society. Consider the amount of labor involved in producing each print, a process that democratized images. Understanding the materials and processes illuminates the cultural role of this artwork.