B. Riisbrigh 1767 - 1824

This print of B. Riisbrigh was made by Andreas Flint in the late 18th or early 19th century. It's an engraving, which is a printmaking technique involving cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink to the grooves, and then pressing the plate onto paper. The process is crucial here. Each line you see was physically incised, demanding immense skill and time. The fineness of the lines determined the gradations of light and shadow, creating a detailed likeness. Printmaking like this was part of a growing industry, making images more accessible, reflecting a shift in how knowledge and representation were circulated. Consider the labor involved – the engraver's expertise, the printer's craft. This wasn't just about artistic expression; it was about a skilled trade, a means of production. Appreciating the materiality and processes behind this print allows us to understand its wider social and cultural significance, moving beyond traditional art history categories.