Portret van koning George II van Engeland 1727 - 1743

This is an engraving of King George II of England, made by Johann Georg Mentzel. The image has been carved into a metal plate, likely copper, with astonishing detail. Look closely at the textures. See how the engraver has used precise, controlled lines to represent the velvet of the King’s robes, the metallic gleam of the crown, and even the soft volume of his wig. Engraving like this was a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. It was a key technology for disseminating images, and therefore power, in the 18th century. Think of this print as a kind of early photograph, but one that required an artist to translate the world into a language of line. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly straightforward images are the product of intense hand work and careful manipulation. By appreciating this we move beyond simple aesthetic judgement to understand the social and historical context of the print.