Frederick II, King of Denmark and Norway 1590

Editor: This is a print from 1590, a portrait of Frederick II, King of Denmark and Norway, made by Hendrick Goltzius. It's an engraving, and the detail is really striking, especially the armor. I'm curious about the process... How was something like this made, and what can it tell us? Curator: The physicality of printmaking here is crucial. Engraving involves immense labor; the artist manually cuts lines into a metal plate. The consumption of prints was widespread and the original could be reproduced, thus reaching an audience far beyond a unique painted portrait for the elite. Notice the depiction of his armor: each plate is painstakingly rendered, a testament to both Goltzius’ skill and the cultural importance placed on material wealth and military prowess. What do you think that attention to material detail conveys about the status of the sitter and about how artists presented power? Editor: I suppose it makes sense that power would be linked to displaying your richness, especially since he commissioned the artwork. The armor looks very impressive in this engraving and thus also elevates the role and work involved of crafting armor at this period. What materials were used to produce the armor and the engraving? Curator: Excellent question. For armor, the materials might range from iron and steel. But this image reminds us of the production chains which lead to a piece. Here, it's about metal plates meticulously cut by an artist; acid etching away material, revealing detail. These objects became embedded within elaborate social structures, signaling wealth and status for some and being tools for oppression and inequality for others. Consider the human cost embedded in the print's production and use. Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered all of the levels of making behind a piece like this. Curator: Exactly. By examining material culture we move away from the art object existing merely for aesthetic appreciation. It instead helps understand broader socio-economic factors at play during its making. Editor: I'll definitely pay closer attention to materials and production moving forward.