Portret van F.C. Risbrigh 1801 - 1823

This is a portrait of F.C. Risbrigh, made by Johann Jakob Rieter around the start of the 19th century. It's an etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The magic of etching lies in its capacity for nuanced detail. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist has created the shaded areas of Risbrigh’s face and clothing. By varying the density and depth of the etched lines, Rieter coaxes out subtle gradations of tone. Think of the control and skill required for this meticulous work! The choice of etching as a medium speaks to the print's intended purpose: to disseminate Risbrigh’s image widely, connecting him to the labor, politics, and consumption of his era. In its own way, the print performs labor of representation, contributing to the social construction of identity. Considering these prints as a labor intensive process helps us move beyond its face value, to see the relationship between art, craft, and the wider world.