Portret van Niklas August Wilhelm von Burghaus 1791 - 1793

This print, portraying Niklas August Wilhelm von Burghaus, was made by J.S.L Halle using engraving techniques. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist has meticulously worked the metal plate, using tools to incise lines that hold the ink. The varying depths and densities of these lines create the illusion of shadow and form, bringing the Count's profile to life. Halle has skillfully captured the textures of the Count's clothing, the smoothness of his skin, and the intricate details of the surrounding ornamentation. Below the portrait, there are some images of what appears to be machinery. It’s interesting to consider this in relation to the Count's status, and to the labor required to produce not only the print itself, but also the technologies pictured within it. Ultimately, this engraving serves as a reminder that every artwork is the product of specific materials, processes, and social contexts. Even in a seemingly straightforward portrait, we can find layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered.