Portret van Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1791

This is Johann Heinrich Lips's portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, an engraving on paper. The material itself is humble, yet the process elevates it. Think of the labor involved in creating this image through engraving: the careful scoring of lines, the control of pressure, the understanding of how ink will translate onto paper. Look closely, and you'll see the density of marks that build up the tone and texture. The method demands precision, a steady hand, and a deep understanding of light and shadow. Engraving has a long history, tied to the reproduction of images for a wider audience. It allowed for the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, playing a role in the Enlightenment. Lips’s print flattens Goethe out but also makes him more widely available than ever. This was a time when the printed image became a powerful force, shaping public opinion and democratizing art. Considering this artwork, it’s important to appreciate the skill involved, and to remember the social context in which it was made. The value isn't just in the image, but in the making, and the means of production behind it.