Frederik V i Nyborg 1749

Poul Isac Grønvold made this print of Frederik V in Nyborg using etching on paper. The image is an early example of mechanical reproduction, which would later transform the art world and consumer culture alike. The etcher covers a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratches an image into it with a needle. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed metal, leaving behind lines that can then be inked and printed. This technique allowed for the efficient duplication of imagery, and the broad distribution of visual information. Consider the labor involved, from the mining and processing of metals to the skilled handiwork of the etcher. Each impression pulled from the plate is a testament to these processes. As you look at this print, think about how such images shaped public perception. Was it a tool for documentation, propaganda, or simply commerce?