Portret van Ferdinand Karl III von Parma 1848

This is Carl Mayer’s portrait of Ferdinand Karl III von Parma, an engraving made sometime in the mid-19th century. Engraving, a printmaking technique, involves meticulously incising an image onto a metal plate, typically copper or steel, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. The fineness of the lines and the tonal gradations achieved speak to Mayer's skill and the labor-intensive nature of this process. Engravings like this were often used for reproduction and dissemination of images, playing a crucial role in shaping public perception of individuals, particularly those of high social standing. They existed in a world before photography, serving as a means of mass communication. In a sense, engraving was an early form of industrial image-making. The final print, with its precision and detail, stands as a testament to both the artistry and the socio-political context in which it was created. It blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and the means of production.