Portret van Gottfried Benedikt Funk 1787 - 1825

This is a portrait of Gottfried Benedikt Funk, made by Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger using etching and possibly engraving. The printmaking techniques involved, like etching, were becoming increasingly professionalized at this time. They demanded a combination of technical skill and artistic sensibility. Notice how the intricate lines create subtle gradations of tone, bringing Funk's likeness to life on paper. The very nature of etching and engraving—requiring careful planning and execution—speaks to the value placed on precision and craftsmanship in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Printmaking was also deeply tied to commerce and communication, making images accessible to a wider audience. In this way, the portrait of Funk, as an object of reproduction, reflects the changing social and economic landscape of the time. It’s a reminder that even seemingly straightforward depictions like this one are products of labor, skill, and evolving technologies.