Portret van Stephan Jacob Silberrad in allegorische omlijsting 1690 - 1711

This allegorical portrait of Stephan Jacob Silberrad was made by Johann Christian Marchand, likely in the early 18th century. It is an engraving, a printmaking process that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. What I find interesting about this print is the way it combines different modes of production. On the one hand, engraving is a highly skilled craft, requiring years of training to master. On the other hand, printmaking is a form of mechanical reproduction that allows for the mass production of images. In this context, consider the image of Stephan Jacob Silberrad, framed by allegorical figures and symbols. The sharp lines and tonal gradations suggest not only Silberrad's status and authority, but also the labor-intensive techniques used to create it. The print then becomes a commodity in itself, a representation of social status available for purchase. The image thus embodies both the artisanal skill of the engraver and the emerging logic of capitalism.