Portret van Johann Melchior Goeze 1754 - 1767

This is a print of Johann Melchior Goeze, made by Johann Martin Bernigeroth around 1744. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin, and then printed onto paper. Look closely and you can see the fine lines that define Goeze’s face, his elaborate wig, and the folds of his clerical robes. The quality of the print depends entirely on the engraver’s skill. It's a laborious process requiring great precision, and a steady hand to translate a painted portrait into a graphic image. Prints like these were important in the 18th century, circulating images of prominent figures to a wider public. They speak to the rise of a visual culture, where even those who couldn’t afford an original painting could have access to a portrait. This print, therefore, isn't just a representation of an individual, but a product of a specific social and economic context. It reflects the growing importance of image-making and consumption in society.