Søren Anton Wilhelm Sørenssen 1837

This portrait of Søren Anton Wilhelm Sørenssen was made by Peter Gemzøe at an unknown date, using engraving. Engraving, a printmaking technique, relies on the skillful use of a tool called a burin to carve lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper. The precision of the engraved line allows for highly detailed and controlled images. Looking closely, notice the intricacy in the rendering of Sørenssen’s features and clothing. Engraving had long been valued for its capacity to reproduce images, making art and information accessible to a wider audience. Yet, it also demanded considerable skill and labor, often involving workshops and collaborative efforts. The engraver's hand, in translating an image into a matrix of lines, played a crucial role in shaping the final artwork. Considering this print, we can begin to question the traditional hierarchy that elevates painting above printmaking, and original art above reproduction. By understanding the materials, making, and social context of this engraved portrait, we gain a richer appreciation for its artistic and cultural significance.