Portret van Jakob Elias Troschel 1793

Johann Gottfried Schmidt made this print of Jakob Elias Troschel in the late 18th century using etching and engraving techniques. The image is produced by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The quality of the print depends on the engraver's skill in manipulating the tools to create fine lines and tonal variations. The etched lines give the portrait its distinctive texture. Look closely, and you can see how Schmidt used varied marks to define Troschel's features and clothing. Schmidt's choice of printmaking highlights the role of skilled labor in art production. Each line is the result of a deliberate action, reflecting the engraver's expertise and time. Prints like these were a product of a growing market for images, which also reveals a wider social context of labor, skill, and access to visual culture in the 18th century. Paying attention to the material and the making process helps us appreciate the craftsmanship and cultural significance embedded in this portrait.