Portret van Leopold I von Anhalt-Dessau 1723 - 1767

Johann Martin Bernigeroth created this portrait of Leopold I von Anhalt-Dessau as an engraving. It’s a printmaking technique involving carving lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and transferring the image to paper. Engraving demands incredible skill and time, often seen as distinct from other forms of image-making. Bernigeroth likely trained for years to achieve this level of detail. You can see this especially in the textures he's created: the sheen on the armor, the fabric of Leopold's coat, and the wispy clouds in the background. Each of these effects required careful control of the engraving tools. The proliferation of prints in the 18th century also speaks to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Engravings like these were luxury goods, yet more accessible than painted portraits. They helped to circulate images of power and status more widely. By understanding the labor and skill involved, we can appreciate the full cultural significance of this seemingly simple image.