Portret van Friedrich Karl Ludwig, hertog van Schlweswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck 1801

This is an engraving of Friedrich Karl Ludwig, Duke of Schlweswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, made by Johann Friedrich Bause, sometime before 1814. The image is formed by incising lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and printed onto paper. Engraving is a laborious, skilled process, demanding careful control and precision. The fine lines create subtle gradations of tone and texture that define the Duke's features and clothing. Look at the intricate details of his coat, the way the light catches his powdered wig, and the regal ornamentation on his chest; all achieved through the meticulous labor of the engraver. Engravings like this were luxury items, requiring both artistic skill and substantial time to produce. They were often commissioned by or for the wealthy, reinforcing social hierarchies through representation. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the Duke’s status, as well as the engraver’s artistic talent. Considering the material and process helps us understand the social and economic context in which this portrait was created, blurring the lines between art, craft, and class.