Portret van Moritz Wilhelm von Sachsen-Zeitz 1713

This is a portrait of Moritz Wilhelm von Sachsen-Zeitz, created by Martin Bernigeroth sometime between 1670 and 1733, using engraving. The image is made through incising lines on a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The fine lines capture Moritz's elaborate wig and regal attire, indicative of his status. This printmaking technique was a key method for disseminating images and information during the period, playing a crucial role in shaping public perception and cultural identity. Printmaking in this era was tied to wider social issues. It was a commercially viable activity, requiring skilled labor and production, representing the intersection of art, craft, and early capitalism. The act of reproducing and distributing images democratized access to art. Understanding the materials, the making, and the historical context gives us a far greater appreciation, challenging any divide between fine art and craft.