Portret van Johann Bartholomaeus Haage before 1737

Bernhard Vogel made this portrait of Johann Bartholomaeus Haage in the 18th century, using engraving techniques. Engraving involves meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using high pressure to transfer the image onto paper. The precision and detail achievable through this process are evident in the fine lines that define Haage’s features and clothing. The formal qualities, from the textures to the distribution of light and shadow, all arise out of the material properties of the metal plate, the ink, and the paper, as well as the labor-intensive process used to create it. Engravings like this one served a vital purpose in disseminating images and information. They were a form of mass production, allowing for the widespread distribution of portraits and other important subjects. This print demonstrates the close relationship between art, craft, and industry in the 1700s. By recognizing the work involved in its production, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural value.