Portret van Sigismund von Kollonitsch 1590 - 1611

Hans Sibmacher made this portrait of Sigismund von Kollonitsch, probably in Germany, through the painstaking process of engraving. The crisp lines were achieved by cutting into a metal plate, inking the grooves, and then pressing it onto paper. This was a cutting-edge technology at the time. The image is not just ink on paper, but a testament to the engraver's skill, and the labor involved in its production. Look closely, and you’ll see the incredible detail of the sitter’s clothing and facial features, captured through the manipulation of line and tone. Engraving wasn't just about art; it was a means of mass communication. This portrait would have been reproduced and disseminated widely, contributing to the sitter's renown. The print also testifies to the increasing circulation of images within early modern Europe, a key feature of burgeoning capitalism. By focusing on the material and production of this print, we see how it blurs the lines between craft, design, and fine art.