Portret van Georg Peter Stelzer 1683 - 1750

This portrait of Georg Peter Stelzer was made by Johann Balthasar Probst, likely in the early 18th century. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then transferring the image to paper. The engraver’s skill is evident in the fine details and textures: the delicate lace of Stelzer’s jabot, the rich fabric of his coat, and the elaborate curls of his wig. But notice the labor involved in creating this image. Each line had to be painstakingly carved into the metal. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training and practice. It was also a commercial enterprise, as prints like this were often produced in multiples and sold to a wide audience. This particular engraving is a testament to the collaboration between artist and sitter, craft and commerce, and the way in which images could circulate and convey status in the early modern world. It shows how prints like this blur the boundaries between art, craft, and design.