Portret van Carl Wilhelm Wölckern 1750

Georg Martin Preissler created this portrait of Carl Wilhelm Wölckern using engraving. This is a printmaking process where the artist meticulously carves lines into a metal plate. Ink is then applied and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. The striking detail achieved through engraving is evident in the subject’s elaborate wig, the texture of his fur-lined robe, and the architectural background. Look closely and you can see how Preissler varied the depth and density of his lines to create tonal contrasts and suggest volume. Engraving demanded not only artistic skill but also patience and precision, reflecting the values of craftmanship that were highly esteemed at the time. The production of prints like these was tied to a growing culture of dissemination and collecting, and portraits such as these helped to immortalize powerful members of society. Considering the materials, the making, and the context enriches our understanding, blurring conventional boundaries between craft, fine art, and social history.