Portret van Johann Friedrich Jacobi 1756 - 1791

This portrait of Johann Friedrich Jacobi was made by Johann Philipp Ganz, using etching, a printmaking technique, and laid down on paper. The laid paper provides a tactile surface, its texture reminiscent of handmade paper. The etching technique creates fine lines, capturing the contours of Jacobi’s face and the details of his attire. The tonal range achieved through careful biting of the metal plate gives depth to the portrait, showcasing Ganz’s mastery of the medium. Etching, though less direct than drawing, requires careful planning and skilled execution, involving acids and resists, to translate an image into reproducible form. The print could then be distributed, fulfilling the growing demand for images among the rising middle class. This process bridges the gap between fine art and craft, highlighting the value of skilled labor in art production. Understanding the process allows us to appreciate the social and cultural implications, of reproductive images and their use as an apparatus of power.