Portret van Thormodus Torfæus 1828 - 1871

This is Christian Hoffmeister's portrait of Thormodus Torfæus. It was made using line engraving, a printmaking technique prized for its precision and detail. The process involves incising lines directly into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. This is a labor-intensive method, requiring a steady hand and deep knowledge of the materials. See how the texture of Torfæus’s clothing and hair are rendered through fine, closely-spaced lines? This painstaking approach speaks to a culture of craft where value is placed on skill, patience, and close attention. In contrast to painting, prints like this one allowed for wider dissemination of images. Hoffmeister's work embodies the tensions between artistic expression and commercial production, navigating the demands of patronage and the possibilities of mass media. When we consider the amount of work that went into making this image, we can reflect on the relationship between art, labor, and social status.