Portret van Sophia Charlotte, koningin van Pruisen, als keurvorstin van Brandenburg 1688 - 1701

This print by Samuel Blesendorf portrays Sophia Charlotte, Queen of Prussia. It’s made using engraving, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The material of the copper plate itself is crucial here. Its capacity to hold fine lines allows for incredible detail, and the process involved many hours of labor. The image is all about status, from the ornate frame to Sophia Charlotte's elaborate hairstyle and dress. Engraving was a key technology for disseminating such images widely. Think of this not just as a portrait, but as a carefully crafted piece of propaganda. The print's formality reflects the social hierarchy of the time, where images of royalty were carefully controlled and circulated. Consider the amount of skill involved, and the way that this reproductive medium could amplify power. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate the print's function as more than just a picture – it's a statement of authority.