Portret van Johann Fürleger 1626

This engraving, portraying Johann Fürleger, was created by Lucas Kilian sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It's made through a process of cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper. The most immediately striking quality is the intricacy achieved through this method. Look at the way the textures are built up, from the delicate lace collar to the sheen on Fürleger's coat. It’s all done by hand, with a burin, and the degree of control demanded by the engraving process is immense. Every line, dot, and subtle variation plays a crucial role in shaping the final image. Consider also the social context of this work. Engravings like this circulated widely and were relatively inexpensive, creating a public image of Fürleger that could solidify his status. The very act of making and distributing it was a statement about wealth, power, and the emerging visual culture of the time. The skilled labor involved is as much a part of the picture as the man it depicts, blurring the line between craft and fine art.