Portret van Theodor Furlohn op 56-jarige leeftijd 1638

This engraving of Theodor Furlohn at age 56, was made in 1638 by Sebastian Furck. It’s made from carving lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then using a press to transfer the image onto paper. The technique demands precision and control, reflecting Furlohn's status as a man of learning and authority. The linear texture influences the image's appearance, lending a sense of formality and meticulous detail. Look at the way Furck describes the textures of fabric and flesh with simple marks. Engraving was a skilled craft, requiring years of apprenticeship. Furck's expertise speaks to a culture that valued both artistic skill and the power of the printed image. In a pre-photographic era, engravings played a crucial role in disseminating information and constructing identities. The amount of work involved in the production process elevated the status of both the artist and the sitter. Paying attention to materials and making processes, it can break down traditional hierarchies between art and craft.