Portret van Johannes Bohn 1687 - 1743

This print of Johannes Bohn was made by Johann Georg Mentzel, likely in the early 18th century. It is an engraving, a process that depends on the skillful cutting of lines into a metal plate, which are then inked and transferred to paper. Look closely, and you can see the characteristic crispness and precision of this technique, ideally suited to capturing the likeness of the sitter. The material of the metal plate allows for very fine detail, as we can see in the rendering of Bohn's elaborate wig, and the folds of the fabric behind him. Engraving has always been associated with commerce and the wider world of work. This print would have been produced in multiples, and sold as a relatively inexpensive means of disseminating Bohn’s image. The print is a testament to the skill of the engraver, and reminds us that the production of images has always been tied to labor, politics, and consumption. By understanding the labor involved, we gain a richer appreciation of its cultural significance.