Portrait of Wilhelm I, King of Prussia, Emperor of Germany (1797–1888) c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have a 19th-century engraving titled "Portrait of Wilhelm I, King of Prussia, Emperor of Germany (1797–1888)." I am intrigued by the precision of the engraving, yet its starkness feels very… manufactured. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: The use of engraving as a means of reproducing and distributing the image of Wilhelm I speaks volumes about the burgeoning technologies of the 19th century and its culture of labor. What kind of economic impact do you think that would entail at this point in time? Editor: Well, this would mean relatively inexpensive ways of mass producing portraits of the monarch… perhaps creating a sense of omnipresence for the King? I imagine engravers would have been employed, impacting labor structures too. Curator: Exactly! Consider the labor involved, not just of the artist, but the artisans who prepared the plates, the printers, and the distributors. The print became a commodity itself, a tangible expression of nationalism accessible to a broader public beyond the elite who could afford painted portraits. Were those working in mechanized forms of reproduction recognized for their work as were other master craftsmen, and where did they learn those skills? Editor: That raises interesting questions about the status of these skilled workers. Are we considering then, that portraiture in printed form can be viewed not just as art but an early form of mass media, shaping and reinforcing power structures? Curator: Precisely. The means of production, distribution, and consumption shaped the cultural understanding of leadership and national identity. So, look closer – who benefitted and at what cost? Editor: So much to consider about the art’s history that goes beyond the art itself. It shifts my perspective on the piece quite significantly. Curator: Mine, too. It's fascinating to see the work, think about those who worked to reproduce it, and see the broader socio-economic implications tied into the art making process.