Portret van paus Pius VII c. 1837 - 1840

This is a portrait of Pope Pius VII, made by N.M. Schild, but the date is unknown. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique that relies on the controlled removal of material from a metal plate, in this case probably copper. The crisp lines and fine details you see are the direct result of the engraver's skilled hand, using a tool called a burin to incise the image. Each mark is deliberately placed to create tonal variations and textures, meticulously rendering the Pope's likeness. The printmaking process allows for the image to be reproduced, and distributed widely, playing a key role in disseminating information and imagery across society. Looking at the image, consider the labour involved in its production: the hand-eye coordination required to carve the design, and the printing process itself, which would have demanded further careful work. These elements, materials, and making are crucial to understanding the full meaning of the artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.