Portret van Michel Ney 1840 - 1855

This is a portrait of Michel Ney, made by G. Metzeroth, using a printing technique. The portrait is not a unique artwork, but rather one of many reproductions. Its graphic qualities come from the build-up of fine lines, laid down in a careful pattern to give the illusion of shading and depth. This must have taken considerable time and skill to produce. The print creates a lifelike portrait of its subject. The use of mechanical reproduction has significance, making portraits accessible to a wider audience, rather than being exclusive to the wealthy who could afford painted portraits. This democratization of images reflects broader shifts in society. Yet we can also think about the labor involved in producing such prints, and how they fit into the broader economy of image-making. Thinking about the material and social context of this print helps us understand its significance beyond mere representation, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft.