Portret van Peter Ernst graaf van Mansfeld 1731 - 1780

This print of Peter Ernst, Count of Mansfeld, was made by Anton Tischler using engraving, a skilled intaglio process where lines are incised into a metal plate. Ink is then applied, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Notice how this technique lends itself to meticulous detail, evident in the textures of Mansfeld’s armor, ruff, and facial features. The lines create shading and volume, bringing the Count to life on a flat surface. This print isn't just a portrait; it's a product of specialized labor, reflecting the engraver's expertise and the print's function as a reproducible image for wider circulation. Engraving was a key technology for disseminating images and information during this period. The process, with its reliance on skilled craftsmanship and mechanical reproduction, embodies a fascinating intersection of art, labor, and early capitalism. Appreciating the material reality of this print helps us to look beyond the image itself, and consider the social and economic context of its creation.