Portret van Ambrosius Gesner 1669

This print of Ambrosius Gesner was made by Matthias van Sommer, using a technique called engraving. This intaglio process involves incising an image into a flat surface, in this case a metal plate, from which multiple impressions can be pulled. The lines you see are the result of the artist using a tool called a burin to cut into the metal. Ink is then forced into these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, creating the image. The texture and weight of the paper itself contribute to the final product. Each print is a direct result of the labor-intensive process. The controlled lines describe Gesner’s features and clothing, and these could be reproduced and distributed widely. The act of making this portrait is inseparable from its social and cultural context, reflecting emerging visual media and consumer culture. Consider how this process contrasts with more individualistic methods, like painting or drawing. Engraving allows for wider dissemination and speaks to the changing nature of artistic production at this time. It blurs the line between fine art and a kind of publishing.