Portret van Bartholomäus Bernhardi 1705

This is a portrait of Bartholomäus Bernhardi, made by Johann Christoph Boecklin. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then printed onto paper. Engraving like this was a key technology in the early modern period. It allowed images and texts to be reproduced and disseminated widely, fueling the spread of ideas and information. The technique involves a lot of labor: the artist had to painstakingly carve the image into the metal, using specialized tools, and the printing process itself would have been time-consuming. The image is striking in its detail. The fine lines create a sense of texture and depth. Boecklin has really captured Bernhardi's likeness, from the intricate ruff around his neck to the book he holds. The fact that this portrait was made as a print suggests a desire to circulate Bernhardi's image and ideas, to make him visible to a wider audience. It gives us a glimpse into the world of early modern media and the power of images to shape reputations.